Due Date and Deliverables ========================= > **Do not print this assignment on paper!** > > - On paper, you will miss updates, corrections, and hints added to > the online version. * **Due Date**: - A digital copy of your handout in PDF format must be submitted on Blackboard on the day you present by 23:59pm. - Public demonstration sessions will be scheduled in during lecture hours on December 13th, 15th, 20th and 22nd. * **Available online** - Version 1.0 - 23h00 November 23rd, 2017 * **Deliverables** 1. Your assigned Linux distribution, installed in a virtual machine, connected to the Internet, with all packages/software updated. 2. Ten copies of a double-sided, 8.5"x11" colour handout, as described in the assignment. 4. Your participation in a Linuxmas event. 4. Be prepared to give a short presentation on your distribution during the event, as described in the assignment. * **Evaluation** - You will receive a grade of zero if your distribution is not installed in a virtual machine, and connected to the Internet with all packages/software updated. If you think this is not achievable, contact me **before** you are scheduled to present. - You will receive a grade of zero for this assignment if you do not participate in the Linuxmas event. - This assignment is worth 15% of your final mark. Marks are evaluated as follows: - Virtual Machine (evaluated during the Linuxmas event) - 10% - Colour handouts - 5% Purpose of this Assignment ========================== 1. To learn about other Linux distributions. 2. To practice effective interpersonal and communication skills. Introduction and Overview ========================= This assignment will be done in pairs. You can sign up for one of the available Linux (or similar) distributions using the "Linuxmas" link on the course Blackboard site. You will be the only pair in your class assigned this distribution. I will be posting a presentation schedule. Many of the Linux distributions are Ubuntu or Debian derivatives. You can learn more about Debian package management from the textbook and Internet sources. Some Linux distributions use far more unusual package management systems. Some of the Linux distributions are Live CDs; in rare cases it may not be possible to update these. Not all Linux distributions use `systemd`. Some of the distributions are not really Linux but are Unix-like. Some operating systems are older than Linux. You may wish to work together with other groups who have operating systems from the same family (Ubuntu, BSD, Arch, Gentoo, etc). Instructions ============ You will need to create a new virtual machine and install your assigned Linux distribution inside the virtual machine. I recommend giving your virtual machine one hard drive, two processor cores and two gigabytes of memory. When you install the operating system in your virtual machine, select the default partitioning scheme for that operating system, if it has one. You can find out more about your Linux distribution by visiting [www.distrowatch.com](http://www.distrowatch.com). You are encouraged to attend the other sessions as well and learn about different kinds of Linux and other operating systems. Presentation ------------ You must make yourselves available to myself, other students and the public during the time scheduled for your distribution. You will be provided with a table and chairs. You should bring your laptops with your virtual machine with your assigned distribution installed on both laptops, connected to the Internet, updated, and ready to go. **Make sure your laptop battery is fully charged, as no electrical outlets are available.** You will need to create a handout. At the event, do not pretend to be a representative of the company or organization that created the distribution! You are simply promoting the distribution on its merits, if any. You will use your laptops to demonstrate your Linux distribution to interested visitors. You may allow them to try the distribution on your laptops. I will also ask you to demonstrate the distribution to me. You can expect this demonstration to last about five minutes. 20 marks for the demonstration will be allocated as follows: - Running assigned operating system in a virtual machine (4 marks) - Display and discuss the default partitioning scheme (4 marks) - Demonstrate service management (4 marks) - Demonstrate package management and how to update the system (4 marks) - Demonstrate the GUI. If there is no GUI, then demonstrate the CLI (4 marks). Handouts -------- You should create a double-sided, full colour handout that describes the distribution you have been assigned. Do not pretend to be a representative of the company or organization that created the distribution! Your handout should be a full-colour, double-sided piece of 8.5"x11" letter paper. It should discuss on one side 1) the unique focus of the distribution and its' intended audience, 2) the steps involved to try it out (using a Live DVD, for example) and/or install it, 3) a list of web sites hosting or related to the distribution, along with a short one-line description for each; and on the other side 4) a short (100 word) discussion of what Linux is and why someone might want to use it along with 5) three or more captioned screenshots of your assigned distribution running interesting applications and/or a GUI. One mark will be assigned for each of these five points. An additional five marks will be awarded for quality of graphic design. You should print ten copies of your handout and bring them with you to Linuxmas.