The Local Environment

• We will be using a common environment for programming.
  • You may work wherever you wish but your final product must run on the department server.
• GUI vs text based
  • GUI: Graphical User Interface
  • Text based: mostly typing.
• It is expensive to support a GUI client over the network so we tend to use servers in a text-based manner.
• In this case we will need to learn about some different tools.
  • A terminal emulator : allows us to connect and run commands on a remote machine.
  • A shell: allows you to issue commands on a remote machine.
  • A compiler: allows you to compile your program.
  • A text editor: allows you place your program in a text file.
  • A file transfer client: move files from one machine to another.
• You will have many choices in some cases. No choices in others.
  • You will use the linux operating system of cslab103
    • Specifically Fedora 38 for now.
  • You will use the version of the c++ compiler on cslab103.cs.edinboro.edu
    • This changes as the software is updated, but is fairly stable.
    • If you want to use another compiler for development that is fine, but in the end it must compile with the compiler on cslab103.
  • You will most likely use bash, the Borne Again SHell on cslab 103 for execution commands.
    • This is not required but I sure would not change it.
• Logging in and passwords
  • On the cs domain you have a separate user name and password
  • You username:
    • First initial
    • Pennwest ID minus the P
    • Last initial.
  • Dan Bennett P0123456789
    • d0123456789b
  • Password, to be discussed.
• Typing passwords on linux
  • The password will not be displayed
  • And the system WILL NOT show * or any other character.
• How do you make a good password?
  • At least 8 characters long, 10 would be better
  • A mix of upper and lower case letters
  • At least one digit, preferably not on the end
  • At least one special symbol
• Do not share passwords across accounts.
• Before you log in, have at least two strong passwords selected.
• Your first login to the cs domain
  • You will be asked to change your password.
  • If you goof this up, you need to request a password change through T&C
  • Make sure you mention the cs domain.
• Where should I try to login the first time.
  • The computers in 137
  • The computers in this room.
• Lab overview
  • There are reasonable laptops in this room, all running windows, all attached to the cs domain.
  • They should have all of the software you will need on them.
  • Door password
• Ross 137
  • A workspace and a set of machines with all you should need.
  • Tutors
  • A good place to seek assistance.
  • Whiteboards, projector, tables, ...
  • Popcorn machine, microwave, coffeepots, ...
  • A reasonable community.
• Ross 129
  • A quiet study room.
  • Game programming room.
  • Experimental lab
• Ross 128
  • Cybersecurity lab.
  • Isolated network.
• Servers
  • cslab103.cs.edinboro.edu
    • Fedora 38
    • Available from everywhere.
  • cslab100.cs.edinboro.edu
    • Red hat extreme linux
    • Available from everywhere.