As an important contrast to Windows, the School of Computer and Information Science also provides exposure to the Linux operating system. Linux is an Open Source operating system based largely on UNIX, and has developed into a powerful and stable alternative to the Microsoft operating systems.
Linux can be accessed by our students through the dedicated Linux teaching and learning facility on Mount Lawley campus in Building 13, Room 227. Alternatively, the SCIS Software Library hosts many Linux distributions which can be downloaded in the SCIS laboratories and burnt to CD or DVD. Many different "flavours" are available, including such variations as KNOPPIX, which can be used to create an instant and non-instrusive Linux workstation on a computer that has no or an alternative operating system installed.
The Linux teaching and learning facility is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the teaching semester. It is located in Building 13, Room 227 on Mount Lawley campus.
The Linux images are also available 24/7, and can be downloaded and burnt in any SCIS laboratory.
A Redhat Enterprise Server based Linux machine is available to students to access as a terminal server. This means that although graphical output will appear on your local terminal, your actual login session will be run remotely. This effectively allows students to log onto the server using a graphical login, without requiring a huge amount of bandwidth, or any proximity to the server.
To access the SCISLINUX server, you must be enrolled in CSP2347 UNIX and C. Please see your Unit Coordinator for account details.
The SCIS Linux facility in ML13.227 is accessible using username "root" and password "scislinuxlab."
To access the SCIS Linux terminal server, from the SCIS labs click Start->Applications->Cygwin->X on SCISLINUX TS. Login using your standard laboratory username and password.
Linux requirements vary vastly, depending upon the task at hand. A Linux distribution can fit onto a floppy disk, or utilise the full power of a clustered super computer. In general, any standard personal computer will be sufficient to get one distribution or another going.
Linux support is best obtained from sources such as Google, and the Linux Documentation Project, as support for home installations is not available. Many lecturing staff have experience with Linux, and will also be able to help. SCIS Support offers Linux help by way of the SCIS Linux Forum, on eCourse.
Category Linux |
Q 12. Where is the Linux Facility? |
Q 13. Who has access to the Linux facility? |
Q 14. When is the Linux facility available? |
Q 15. What is the username/password for the Linux machines in the SCIS Linux Facility (ML13.131)? |
Q 18. What will my username/password be on the SCIS Linux Server? |
