OECS204 Linux Operating System
Spring Semester 2005
Instructor: Doug Bocaz-Larson
Email: dbocaz@nmsu.edu
Phone: 287-6656 office 290-1331 cell
Meeting Time: WEB
LAB/Office Hours in room 124: M/W 6:45-8:15 and Tu/Th 5:30-6:45/8:00-8:15
Text: Linux in Easy Steps by Mike McGrath ISBN: 0-7607-5737-2 (if you shop for
books online, you can buy this from bn.com)
Course Description:
This course will introduce students to the Linux Operating System. Students
will learn about the history, development and uses of Linux. This course is
intended as an introduction to Linux. One course can not teach everything there
is to know about this topic, but the class will give you the background you
need to get started.
Instructor Availability:
I will be happy to work with you in a computer lab at NMSU-Grants at scheduled
times. Please call my cell phone (505-290-1331) or my office (505-287-6656)
or email me (dbocaz@nmsu.edu) for questions or to arrange a time to me. Email
is actually the quickest way to reach me followed by leaving a message on my
cell phone. I check my office phone the least often. Feel free to ask questions
anytime. Most importantly, turn your assignments in on time and don't get behind.
Assignment Deadlines:
Please make sure that all your work is in by the deadlines on the syllabus.
Make-up quizzes and assignments will not receive full credit. 10% will be taken
off for each class period the assignment or quiz is not completed.
Discussions:
• Here are some tips when you post: In your posting include a website
link where you found your information and write a paragraph summary of what
you learned from the website. Be sure this is in your own words. Do not copy
and paste from the website. I want to hear your thoughts and ideas on the topic.
NOTE: Everyone must find something different about the history of Linux so be
sure to read what others have posted before you. You will be asked to do another
posting if you repeat information.
Evaluation:
Assignments 25%
Discussions WebCT 25%
Meeting deadlines 10%
Grading scale:
100-90% A
89-80% B
79-70% C
69-60% D
>59% F
Deadlines:
Students must meet the deadlines in order to receive full credit for assignments,
quizzes, and projects. You will be given until the Monday after the assignment
deadline to turn in the assignments for full credit. After that point, 10% will
be taken off for each week the assignment is late up to 40%. The final deadline
is not flexible. No late assignments will be taken after the final deadline
for the course.
• Final deadline for all 1st 4 week assignments – Feb. 3, 2005
• Final deadline for all 2nd 4 week assignments – March 2, 2005
Failure to meet the above deadlines may result in your being dropped from the
course by the first 4 week deadline or a failing grade on the 2nd 4 weeks.
Important Dates:
Jan. 13 Classes Begin
Jan. 17 MLK
Mar. 21-25 Spring Break No Class
Last day to drop (1st 8 week)
Mar. 7 Last day of class (1st 8 week)
Words of Wisdom:
When you take a course about computers, you get out of it what you put into
it. Computers are constantly changing and you must be constantly learning to
keep on the cutting edge. A class in computers will help you get started, but
it is up to you to go that extra mile to become an expert. Working with computers
is like learning a musical instrument. You don’t become a good musician
without practice. It is the same with computers. If you don’t practice
and develop your skills on your own, then you’ll never be a true techie.
No computer class can teach you everything you need to know on a topic. Computer
courses are a jumping off point to a journey, not a destination.
Getting Started with WebCT:
If have never taken a web course, please do the following.
1. Go to: http://salsa.nmsu.edu
2. Click "Create Your ID" on left side of screen
3. Enter your social security number and your date of birth.
4. Click Continue and follow directions.
5. When you are done, email your instructor (Doug Bocaz-Larson) at dbocaz@nmsu.edu
so you can be added to the course.
6. Please allow for 24 hours between the time you create your idea and the time
you can enter the course.
7. Return to http://salsa.nmsu.edu, enter your username and password and click
the link to your course.
(If you have any questions you can email me at dbocaz@nmsu.edu, call my cell
290-1331, or my office 287-6656)
This is a preview of the upcoming Spring schedule of assignments.
This schedule will be updated on Jan. 13, 2005
Tentative Schedule for OECS 204 (subject to change)
Due Dates and Topics Covered
Jan. 18
The majority of this class will be completed in the Discussion part of WebCT.
Complete the WebCT Discussion on: Introduction
Welcome to class. Tell a little bit about yourself and your experience with
computers. What got you interested in computers? What do you hope to do with
your computer knowledge (be Bill Gates or a super hacker)?
Complete the WebCT Discussion on: What do we know about Linux?
Write about what you know about Linux. It doesn’t have to be much. Even
if you aren’t sure it is right, put it down anyway. Hint: Linux is not
a small wild cat.
Complete the WebCT Discussion on: What do we want to know?
Read page 8 in the book and write about what you want to know about Linux. What
do you hope you’ll know by the end of this course (remember, it is hard
to learn everything on a topic in one course)? What do you want to know about
Linux after a year or two of working with it?
Jan. 19
Complete the WebCT Discussion on: Knoppix Linux
In this course, we will be using the Knoppix flavor of Linux. It is a wonderful
edition of Linux that will run off a cd-rom so you don’t have to make
any changes to your computer or install anything on your computer to run Linux.
Please post here how you will get a copy of Knoppix. You can come to my lab/office
hours and pick up a copy (post when you will be coming). I can snail mail a
copy to you (email your mailing address). Or you can download a copy of Knoppix
from www.knoppix.net and burn a cd on your own (only do this if you have a fast
internet connection at home such as DSL).
Complete the WebCT Discussion on: The History of Linux
• Read page 9 in the book
• Search the internet and find information about how Linux got started.
In your posting include a website link where you found your information and
write a paragraph summary of what you learned from the website. Be sure this
is in your own words. Do not copy and paste from the website. I want to hear
your thoughts and ideas on the topic. NOTE: Everyone must find something different
about the history of Linux so be sure to read what others have posted before
you. You will be asked to do another posting if you repeat information.
Complete the WebCT Discussion on: Most popular flavor
• Read page 10-11 in the book
• Join the discussion and state which “flavor” of Linux appears
to be used the most and predict which one you think will be the Linux most people
will use in the future.
• ADD – find website with support
Learn more about each flavor –
Jan. 20 Complete the WebCT Discussion on: Websites
about Linux
Look at the following websites about Linux and answer some questions below:
1) http://www.linux.org/lessons/index.html
2) http://www.linux-tutorial.info/modules.php?name=Tutorial&pageid=224 ?
3) http://beginnerslinux.org
4) http://www.oocities.org/aboutlinux/
Complete the WebCT Discussion on: New Websites about Linux
Look for a really good website about linux for newbies that isn’t from
the previous discussion. Search for Linux and find a website that helps you
to understand what Linux is. Post the website address and give a paragraph summary
what you learned about Linux from this website.
Complete the WebCT Discussion on: Testing Knoppix Linux
Knoppix Linux on your computer and review it (I can mail Knoppix Linux to you)
or on a computer at school – All you should have to do is put the Knoppix
cd in your cd drive, reboot the computer and Knoppix should run. If it doesn’t,
you’ll need to change the boot sequence on your computer so your computer
boots from the cd drive first. See page 18 in your book to see how this is done.
OPTIONAL – If you’re feeling brave and don’t mind playing
with your home computer, try to install Mandrake Linux on your home computer.
You can download Mandrake if you have a fast internet connection or you can
get a copy from me. The steps for installing Mandrake are in the book on pages
12-32. Warning: be sure to back up all your files on your computer before trying
this in case the installation crashes your computer or you accidentally delete
Windows in the process (yes, these things can happen – that’s why
I recommend Knoppix over Mandrake).
Jan. 25 Knoppix Assignment 1:
Go to the following website:
http://linux-newbie.sunsite.dk/index.html
Click on 0.Benefits and read about the benefits of
Linux.
Answer the following questions:
1. What kind of people like Linux?
2. Is Linux the right OS for you?
3. Is Linux easy to learn?
4. Why is Linux a good OS? (everyone give one answer and
make sure someone else hasn't used the same answer in
their posting)
5. What is the difference between Linux and Windows when
it comes to copyright laws? (everyone give one answer
and make sure someone else hasn't used the same answer
in their posting)
6. What is the difference between Linux and UNIX?
(everyone give one answer and make sure someone else
hasn't used the same answer in their posting)
7. Which is more secure: Windows or Linux?
8. Does Open Office work with Microsoft Office?
9. Is Linux run by a group of devil worshipers?
Jan. 26 Here is the second assignment if you aren't doing Target
Global (#2 of 8).
Place the Knoppix Linux cd in your cd drive of your computer and reboot. Knoppix
should start up on your computer. Hit enter at the boot prompt. It may ask you
to configure your computer. Hit space bar.
When you are in Knoppix, answer the following questions. Please email these
answers to me:
1) What version of Knoppix are we using?
2) Look at the Knoppix info in the web browser. How do you get English information?
3) Under the Knoppix info, find the system requirements to use Knoppix. List
a couple system requirements.
4) What is the name of the web browser in Knoppix? (hint: starts with a K)
5) Find the Open Source music player. (hint it's near the Knoppix info) Play
the song on the player. What is the music group that wrote the song?
Jan. 27 Here is the third assignment of 8.
Let's learn about the taskbar at the botton of the screen, known as the Panel
in Knoppix. Email your answers to the questions below.
1) What is the first button for? What are some options with this button?
2) What does the Knoppix button do (the penguin)? What are some options?
3) What does the desktop button do?
4) What does the Home button do?
5) What does the Konsole do?
6) What is Mozilla?
7) What is Open Office?
8) Research Mozilla and Open Office on the internet. Are these available for
Windows?
9) Is the clock accurate on your computer?
10) What is the 1, 2, 3, 4?
11) What is the US flag for? What are some options here?
12) What are some ways you can change the clock? Try some.
13) What are some ways you can change the panel?
Please email these answers.
Jan. 28 Here is assignment four of eight. Please email the
answers.
Let's look at the application starter. Answer the following questions. Use the
internet to help with your answers if needed:
1) What is Wine?
2) Look at the list of utilities and system files. Select one and review it
for me. Features? Functions?
3) Play with one of the graphics programs. Do you like any of them? What is
a feature of one you like (or sort of like)?
Please email these answers to me.
Feb. 1 Here is assignment number five of eight.
Look at the help feature. Do the tutorials.
Make a list of five things you learned from these
tutorials.I would like you to try the programs under Games and Edutainment.
1) Do they work?
2) Which is your favorite?
Feb. 2 For your assignment number 7 of 8, I would like you
to try the floppy feature on the desktop of Knoppix.
Place a floppy disk in your computer drive.
1) What kind of files can you access? Try documents, pictures, etc.
2) Create some files in Open Office and try to save them to disk. What steps
did you take to save them to disk? Try to open the files in Microsoft Office.
Feb. 3 Student created Knoppix lesson - From Nancy:
1. What in the world is KDE?
2 Who created KDE?
3. When was it initiated?
4. What was the purpose for it?
5. Does it run on other systems besides Linux?
(Hint: see Help menu for clues to KDE).
If you wanted to run UNIX-type commands on Knoppix, how would you do it?
Suggest two ways this can be done.
Feb. 8 Create your own Knoppix lesson. POST this
What is something we haven't learned yet about Knoppix
that you think would be good for newbies like us to
learn?
Create directions and questions and post.
Possible ideas:
Write a simple program on Knoppix
Learn about the source code for Knoppix
How to troubleshoot common Knoppix problems
How to set up a Knoppix server
How to network Knoppix
Using WINE
Using the internet on Knoppix at school and at home
Or make your own lesson
Post a question in Knoppix forum and discuss response… www.knoppix.net
Feb. 9 Knoppix and Mandrake:
Let’s compare Knoppix and Mandrake. Do they have similar functions? Compare
Knoppix to the Mandrake functions discussed in the book.
Does Knoppix have a control center similar to Mandrake on page 35? What is similar
or different?
Do you setup the sound card in a similar way? (page 38)
Is changing the screen resolution different? (page 40)
How do you set up a printer? Are you able to print from Knoppix? (p.42)
Where do you change hardware settings? (p. 48)
How do you add multiple desktops in Knoppix? (p. 55)
How do you change the desktop background? (p. 56)
Does Knoppix have desktop themes? (p. 60)
What screen savers are available in Knoppix? (p. 61)
What event sounds are available? (p. 62)
Feb. 10 Create a text file and follow the steps in chapter
7 to move the file around in Linux. Describe the steps in Knoppix and if they
are different than Mandrake (p. 94-108).
OR
Try some open source programs in Windows that come standard with Linux. Install
OpenOffice. Try creating something in each program and post what you created.
Try Mozilla. You’ll post later what you think of these programs.
Feb. 15 Watch movie Revolution OS borrow (lab showing and can
borrow after)
Complete the WebCT Discussion on: History in the Making
• Research Linux in the news using websites such as http://linuxtoday.com/
or http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/. Post an interesting news story you
find (make sure that you don’t post the same story as someone else in
the class).
NOTE: Write about a paragraph summary of the news story in your own words stating
why you felt the story was important or interesting and give the link to the
article.
Feb. 16 Complete the WebCT Discussion on: Open Source
• What is open source? Is Linux open source? What are some open source
programs that work with Linux? How do open sources programs such as OpenOffice
and Mozilla compare to Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer?
Complete the WebCT Discussion on: Open Can of Worms?
Did the inventor of Linux make the best choice by making Linux open source?
Why do you think he did make it open source?
Feb. 17 Complete the WebCT Discussion on: Linux vs. Windows
• Do people think Linux is a better operating system than Microsoft Windows?
What do you think? Do you think Linux will be able to compete with Microsoft?
•
Complete the WebCT Discussion on: ADD – ask to find website about comparing
Win and Lin – tests run on them
Feb. 22 Complete the WebCT Discussion on: Linux Security -
People say that Linux is more secure than Windows. In
my opinion, hackers go after Windows more often because
Windows is the main OS out in the world. I believe
Linux is actually less secure because everyone has
access to the source code. I could be wrong. Extra
credit if you find some research on Linux security that
proves me right or wrong.
Feb. 23 Learning about the programming side of Linux –
The command line
Read Chapter 6 in the book (p. 82-92)
Go to: http://linuxsurvival.com. Do Windows modules 1-2. Answer to following
questions:
Linux Survival Questions
Module 1
1) How are Linux files structured?
2) What is the most common command in Linux and what is it for?
3) Why did they shorten squirrel monkeys to sq_monks?
4) When you use the more command, how can you view the rest of the information
after seeing the first page?
5) How would you make a new directory for cats in the zoo files?
6) How would you place the file called lions into the directory called cats?
7) What does the command cd do?
8) What command do you use to find out where you are in the directory structure?
Module 2
1) What is the copy command?
2) If you're in the dog directory and you want to copy the lion file to the
africa directory, how would you do this?
3) What command to you use to remove a file from a directory?
4) If you're in the dog directory, how do you remove the lion file from the
cat directory?
5) What command would you use to remove the cats directory?
6) Why do most computer users not deal with security?
7) Relating to security, what do the letters rwx mean?
8) What does the - mean in rw- ?
9) What are wildcards?
Go to: http://linuxsurvival.com. Do Windows modules 3-4. Email answers to questions
found in discussion.
Feb. 24 Using the GIMP (Chapter 9) – create a project
OR
Make a simple game in Linux
Mar. 2 Using the Linux Shell (Chapter 11)
ALL ASSIGNMENTS DUE: March 2 (No late assignments after this
point)
NOTE: I will be away at a conference from March 3-6. Please be sure to email
me any questions before these dates so you
Mar. 7 Complete the WebCT Discussion on: What did we learn?