Curt Hostetter - COSI, Fall 2007
Goals & Intentions
My main goal by the end of this semester is having an excellent
understanding of how to mass install operating systems onto
multiple machines, and do it efficiently. However, I do also intend to
learn more about Linux on my trip there. I've only had a semester's time or so to learn and understand Linux. I think I have a pretty good idea of the operating system
works, but there is definitely room for improvement.
Projects
Ubuntu Build
My main project is learning and maintaining the Ubuntu builds in the ITL and COSI labs.
Learning Linux/Unix
Another huge goal of mine this semester is running my own Ubuntu machine and learning how to use it. I would really like to be at the level of experience and knowledge
as most of the other people who participate in the labs.
Progress
Ubuntu Build
What I've Learned:
So far, I've found 2 methods to accomplishing mass installation for the Ubuntu build.
1. UDPCast - UDPCast is filetransfer tool that sends many packets using multicast UDP packets to a "whole classroom of machines". This is currently being used to
install the Fedora build and the Windows build in the COSI/ITL lab.
Strengths:
- Very effective, takes as much time as it would to install on 15 machines as it would 2.
- Quick
Weaknesses:
- uses UDP, which is an unreliable data transfer protocol, which could cause packet loss.
- every machine must boot off of a CD.
2. Netboot - Using netboot, a machine can boot off of another computer's CDROM drive. This is particularly useful if someone has an older computer with a nonworking
CDROM drive. However, this is particulary cumbersome due to the fact that you have to set up each machine individually.
Strengths:
- Boots and installs off of the network
- Ability to install on multiple machines at once
Weaknesses:
- Requires user to configure each machine.
- Sometimes not always reliable.
Learning Linux
What I've Learned/Accomplishments:
- Successfully installed Ubuntu Fiesty then Gutsy Gibbon Beta onto my laptop.
- I was able to troubleshoot Gutsy's inability to recognize my onboard videocard. Downloaded "hacked" drivers and installed successfully.
- After 4 hours, I finally was able to get the latest build of Compiz-Fusion working on a card that is supposedly not supported.
- Installed and configured my wireless card using ndiswrapper and wifi-radar. Note: They I did it was a very poor way to do it, I need to go back sometime and
install it correctly. Ubuntu's network manager does not recognize that it is installed and working, but somehow I can still transfer packets.
- Installed and configured Emerald, a gtk window decorator. At first it didn't work with Compiz-Fusion, but after some tinkering, I got it to work.
- Installed and configured Synergy, a crossplatform mouse & keyboard sharing program. Works much like a KVM switch, but over the network.
- Installed Amarok and successfully mounted my music and other SMB shares to local folders.
- Configured my keyboard and Ubuntu's keyboard settings to control Amarok through Synergy using the keymap values sent by the keyboard.