Using Linux
Created Monday 10 January 2022
Soon, you will be given assignments that require you to get hands-on with Linux.
Note, if you already use Linux, i.e. you have a physical or virtual Linux computer on which you have root and can run sudo commands (and are willing to use for this class, nothing destructive) then you're already good to go. But feel free to do one of the following anyway.
1) Buy or otherwise obtain a Raspberry Pi. (or use one if you already have it)
I put this one first because not only will you learn during this class, you're very likely to find it rewarding beyond this class as well. The Raspberry Pi is a complete Linux computer, usable and used in a VERY wide array of real-life fun and useful projects; ANY model is acceptable, though the later the better; the current "4" is just the small "board," (good for other projects) and there is also the 400 which is embedded in a keyboard. You will likely need not just the board, but a "kit" which includes a case and cords for hooking it up to a TV or Monitor, as well as a mouse and keyboard.
2) Install a virtual machine
This has traditionally been the required method for getting this done in my class, and I will demonstrate it in class. A longer write-up is below, but here are the basic steps. Again, you do NOT NEED TO DO ANY OF THIS before I demonstrate it, and even if you are uncomfortable after the demonstrations, we can find a way to walk you through it.
- Visit http://virtualbox.org and download and install the appropriate version: the "host" refers to your real PHYSICAL computer and that's the one you should download.
- Visit e.g https://xubuntu.org/download and download a LTS ISO- It is a BIG file, which is why I want you to do it beforehand.
https://linuxmint.com/ - Solid, a few more features and a bit heavier
https://pop.system76.com/ - System76 sells Linux laptops and uses this as the "official" distro.
(again, all the above are REALLY similar. You can also go crazy and check out http://distrowatch.org) As a personal example, my gaming computer is MX Linux, which I just tried because it was number one. I'm not really impressed and I'm not that into it, but it's so similar and good enough that I haven't bothered to change it)
DO NOT INSTALL OR DOUBLE CLICK THE ISO ITSELF — it won't break anything, but it also probably won't do what you want it to. Just confirm that it exists and that you can "locate" it.
- Start Virtualbox and click new. It will begin to run a wizard. Most all defaults are fine. If you plow ahead on your own (and sometime after you get the distro/installer up and running, i.e. you've seen the name of the distro and it's asked you for time zones and such) you may see a warning screen about "erasing your drive." This is far more harmless than it seems, because it's only talking about your virtual drive. But if this freaks you out at all, maybe just wait until I put out the video.
Much more detail here:
Tech Guides:Linux:Virtual Install Complete Instructions
2) A "cloud" VPS (Virtual Private Server)
Backlinks: FSU Courses:LIS5364:Previous Readings FSU Courses:LIS5364:Required Course Tools - 5364