Week 4: Command Line, Part 1

We get into the nitty gritty of the UNIX command line this week. We will go over a number of commands in the lecture and then move on to a lab involving the material from the lecture.

We will also try and get everyone caught up on the Linux installation lab.

Week 4 Assignment: [PDF] [DOC] [HTML]

Week 4: REMINDER

This is a reminder to bring your Ubuntu install disc with you to class for week 4. We will need the discs to fix the problem with the /var partition size.

Week 3: Linux GUI

This is going to be a busy week in class. We will be covering the following this evening:

• GNOME, the graphical user interface (GUI) used in Ubuntu Linux
• In class quiz covering all material presented in the first two weeks of the class
• Re-install Ubuntu to correct some configuration mistakes from our initial installation

Week 3 Assignment: [PDF] [DOC] [HTML]

Week 3: Open Source is about More than Software

It's easy when dilligently studying for a job in the IT industry to focus the vast majority of your efforts and attentions on computer software and hardware. This is certainly no less true once you've graduated and continue your personal education on the job.

This class has a focus on UNIX and Linux systems, but I also want to show that the concept of open source extends beyond computers. It can have a significant imact on every human endevor. Many people understand this, and surprisingly, Bill Gates is one of them:

Bill Gates demands open source
Has the era of open source science really begun?

Week 2: Apollo Moon Landing Hoax Links

Last week we had an entertaining tangent discussing the possibility that the Apollo program moon landings were a hoax. Rather than take any more class time to discuss this, I present the following links:

We start out with a nice overview of the controversy on Wikipedia:
Apollo Moon Landing hoax accusations

Next we have a very detailed refutation of the Fox program mention in class from the excellent Bad Astronomy Blog:
Fox TV and the Apollo Moon Hoax

An entertaining video of the implications of calling Buzz Aldrin a "coward and a liar":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQKxAqpjroo

And finally, an idea I wish I had thought of:
Making a mint out of the Moon

Week 2: Linux Installation

We will begin our hands on work with Linux this week.

Week 2 Topics:

• Introduction to Linux Distributions
• Virtualization Software
• Linux Installation Lab

Week 2 Assignment
List of Common Linux Distributions

Week 1 [UPDATE]: New Syllabus link

I had a report that some machines on campus apparently don't have a PDF reader installed. I've updated the link to the syllabus to include the Microsoft Word format version.

Syllabus (PDF)
Syllabus (DOC)

Note that there are no changes to the syllabus content, I've simply added another file format for download.

Week 1: The Dark Side of Penguins

Penguins aren't always as friendly as they seem.... :)

Week 1: History of Computers, UNIX and Linux

Welcome to the IT276 Linux Class Blog. This site will provide information related to the class as well as providing a forum for class discussion. It should NOT be viewed as a substitute for attending class. The information presented here will supplement the class discussions, labs and reading assignments.

Week 1 Topics:

• Introduction to the class Syllabus (PDF) Syllabus (DOC)
• Discussion of the development of the computer culminating with an in depth presentation on the development of UNIX and Linux operating sytems.
  
• The concept of open source will be present and several licenses will be discussed.

Week 1 Assignment
List of Open Source Licenses