Folks may be eagerly awaiting the pre-conference pre-requisites, so
here's an update on...

I'm in progress of setting up some downloads which includes Solr
itself, its example application packaged as both source XML files to
load, and pre-built index, as well as some other example datasets and
associated Solr schemas.  Part of my effort involves making some
changes to Solr itself such that it can easily be run with some
command-line configuration provided on top of the existing Solr
"home" directory it uses.

Rest assured that you'll have these downloads as soon as possible,
and with enough time to give the system pre-requisites a shot and get
your system ready to roll with Solr.  For most, if not all, folks,
firing up Solr and making sure you're good to go will take only 5
minutes, so don't sweat the details yet to come.

And if any of the above doesn't make sense, no worries.  The pre-
conference is all about getting you up and running with Solr.  If
you're already a Solr expert, you'll get to test out your skillz by
helping others and tinkering with your own datasets.  If you're a
Solr newbie, you'll be in good hands.

More on the pre-conference materials soon.

        Erik