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Linux/*BSD Desktop install
This project will have you setting up a Linux/*BSD Desktop with required tasks to accomplish.
Prerequisites
This is a base project, there are no prerequisites.
Ingredients
To accomplish this project you will need:
| Item | Description | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| computer | Spare Project Computer | 1 |
| LCD | Spare LCD to use as display device | 1+ |
| keyboard | PS/2 or USB keyboard | 1 |
| mouse | PS/2 or USB mouse | 1 |
| working hard drive | working hard drive to install Linux on | 1 |
| working network cable | functioning network cable to plug into switch | 1 |
Background
The basic intent behind learning to use a system is understanding it.
And what better way to understand it than to get experience with it hands on. In this project your goal will be to set up a Desktop Linux box, to familiarize yourself with the process and perhaps some of the possibilities available therein.
Allowances
The following allowances are made for this project:
- You may work alone, or with up to 1 additional person (but no more than that)
- You have a choice of what to use for your Linux Desktop install:
- Ubuntu 8.10 “Intrepid Ibex” CDROM installation
- Ubuntu 9.04 “Jaunty Jackalope” - network install (recommended)
- Ubuntu 9.10 “Karmic Koala” - network install (recommended)
- beta of Ubuntu 10.04 “Lucid Lynx” (not recommended) - network install
- Debian 4.0 “Etch” - CD-ROM or network install
- Debian 5.0 “Lenny” - CD-ROM or network install
- beta of Debian 6.0 “Squeeze” - network install
- snapshot of Debian unstable “sid” - network install (not recommended)
- OpenBSD 4.4
- OpenBSD 4.5
- OpenBSD 4.6
- – other Linux or *BSD distro of choice, but need to provide media –
- Some possible suggestions:
- KNOPPIX LiveCD (but you have to install it to the hard drive)
- SLAX
- Slackware
- Linux Mint
The initial choices list reflect known available distributions in the LAIR, either on CD, or available as a network-based installation.
There are many additional options, but in order to take advantage of them they must be downloaded and put in a form that a computer can boot and install from (certainly worthy of documenting).
NOTE: No more than 4 groups may use the same distribution, regardless of version. That is, if four groups use Ubuntu (varying versions), additional groups pursuing this project cannot do so, and must choose another distribution.
Requirements
Once started, notify me of your choice of team composition (just you, or you and another individual– and who that is) along with chosen Linux distribution.
- The end result must have a graphical desktop with:
- working mouse and keyboard
- displays 24+ bit color depth at 1280×1024 on the Dell LCDs
- installed to and boots from Linux-formatted drive partition
- network is operational
- can browse the internet with a web browser
- can log onto Lab46 using ssh
- Full wiki documentation of:
- steps taken
- configurations made
- settings changed
- packages installed
- troubleshooting experiences
- edited files
- process/sequences of actions
- pertinent information
- options
- basically– the HOW and some of the CAN
- Additionally, at least one of the following much be achieved:
- Dual-head Accelerated graphics with Compiz Desktop effects
- Working Audio with command-line volume/settings capability
- Remote desktop w/VNC
- Ability to play DVD with video and audio
- Multihead (at least 3) Desktop using Synergy
- Successfully Runs a Windows-only application using Wine
- Once you are successful:
- Demonstrate your result to me
- Get my okay
- Make any needed changes to your wiki documentation
- Wipe clean and start from scratch, following your wiki documentation
- Show your result to me to verify that you can recreate it
