Using Linux at home
Macintosh users see
here.
There are a number of options for running UNIX on your home PC. Some methods will suit some people better than others, so follow the instructions which suit you best. A word of warning before commencement though:
All assignments are tested and marked on moss, NOT on any other system.
So, before submitting code that you've written on some other system, make sure it works on moss! Allow plenty of time for this process. We will not accept any responsibility for assignments not working correctly because you haven't tested your code on moss.
- Remote access: the simplest and easiest way to get a form of Unix at home is to access moss remotely, according to the guidelines found at this page. If you have a fast internet connection, graphical applications might work acceptably in this way.
- Running Linux on your home PC. Any version of Linux is suitable - examples include Debian, Ubuntu and Fedora Core. If you know how to install these, feel free to download and use them. If you don't have experience with these or are uncomfortable with installing a second operating system on your home PC, then skip to option 3.
- Run Linux using a virtual machine (Virtual box):
- Download and install Virtual box from here.
- Download an install cd for the linux distribution of your choice. Your ISP may have free mirror of these files.
- Follow the instructions in virtual box.
Mac users have can use the above options or:
You can
probably work quite well on the command line that is already installed on your system. However, you will also need development tools (gcc, make).
- If you are using "Snow Leopard" or earlier, the development tools package is available on your installation cd.
- If you are using "Lion", Apple is now forcing people to join their appstore in order to get the X-Code package.
