SYA710 - Installing GNU/Linux

Weekly Outline

See the Fall 2008 SYA710 Weekly Schedule for specific dates and topics.
For current marks visit [John Selmys' Web Site at Seneca]

Subject Description:

Linux is a UNIX-like, multi-user, multi-tasking, multi-platformed operating system which can be copied and redistributed without fees or royalties. It is robust, scalable, reliable and is in use throughout the world as a server and desktop OS.This subject focuses on the installation of GNU/Linux. In this course students will learn to build and install Linux by using general and distribution-specific tools.

Credit Status:

1 credit in the LUX program

Prerequisites

Meet admission requirements for LUX

Specific Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this subject should will be able to:

Use administrative tools (anaconda) for installing Linux
Create (livecd-creator) new versions of live Linux CDs
Automate (kickstart) the Linux install process
Use package management (rpm, yum) software
Install Linux to/from various media
Install Linux as a virtual (kvm) guest
Build (pungi) new versions of Linux installation CDs
Manage the Linux startup (init) process
Modify and maintain storage (fs, lvm) configurations

Topic Outline:

Introduction to SYA710

outline, policies, project, labs, midterm test, exam, email
overview of lab T2107
basic Linux installation - Fedora 9

File Systems & Logical Volume Management

ext2, ext3, ntfs, reiserfs, vfat
mount, umount
inodes, labels, virtual file system
mkfs, fsck, resize2fs, ntfsresize
pvcreate, lvcreate, vgcreate
vgreduce, vgextend, lvreduce, lvextend
pvdisplay, lvdisplay, vgdisplay

Linux Startup

boot process
init, inittab, rc
runlevels, system V init
upstart

Package Management

RPM, Yum
rollback, auto updates

Building a New Kernel

make xconfig, gconfig, menuconfig, oldconfig
.config file
vmlinuz, initrd

Automated Installations

kickstart
udpcast
ssh, dd

Virtual Machines

lguest, kvm
Linux-VServer
OpenVZ
User Mode Linux
Xen

VM Management

virt-manager
openbox, virtualbox

Creating Custom Spins

pungi

Making Live CDs

livecd-creator

Modes of Instruction:

2 hours of interactive lecture per week and 2 hours lab time per week

Prescribed Text:

None specific to this course but our Seneca library has access to many on-line texts

Reference Material:

Web links given out during course

Supplies:

Having your own laptop and/or desktop PC will help. Most likely at least a 4GB usb key will also be useful

Promotion Policy:

To obtain a credit in this subject, a student must:

Achieve a grade of 55% or better on the final exam
Satisfactorily complete all assignments
Achieve a weighted average of 55% or better for the tests and final exam
Achieve a grade of 55% or better on the overall course

Modes of Evaluation:

1 final exam worth 40%
1 midterm test worth 30%
10 labs worth 10%
1 major project worth 20%
- pre-report worth 5%
- in-report worth 5%
- post-report worth 10%

Academic Regulations:

Students are responsible for being aware of college regulations in the Academic Policy Handbook.

Seneca Academic Policy - Cheating and Plagiarism Cheating and/or plagiarism are offences which will not be tolerated by the College. Such offences occur when a student violates the procedures governing the administration of examinations, tests or other means of evaluating student achievement in a subject or program.

Pending Approval By: Evan Weaver, Chair

College Policy Accommodation for Students with Disabilities: The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counseling and Disabilities Services Office at ext. 2900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Center for Equity and Human Rights at Ext. 2078 or via e-mail at Human.Rights@senecac.on.ca.

Resources:

Here's a list of links to relevant course info:

SYA710

Contents