CIS(theta) 2014-2015
January Meeting 3: Teacher PC
Not a meeting: Now that it's MidTerm Week, I got a chance to install my new Teacher PC. As you will see below, I installed it in a similar fashion to the Student and Server PCs with a few additions.
Wow, the new Teacher PC has a lot more horsepower than the new Server PC! This choice is appropriate as I do a lot of screencasting and mirroring on this Linux box. The 24 Student PCs were not replaced.
SPECIFICATIONS
Teacher PC:
(new hardware, firmware, software)
Lenovo OctoCore, 8GB RAM and 1TB hdd
Student PCs:
(new hardware, firmware, software)
Lenovo QuadCore, 4GB RAM and 256GB hdd
Server PC:
(new firmware and software only)
Lenovo DualCore, 2GB RAM and 512GB hdd
MISSION
Teacher PC:
SmartBoarding, ScreenCasting and Mirroring
Student PCs:
TI Emulators, CAS and SAGE
Server PC:
SSH, SFTP and JDK in class and from home
Setting up the Teacher PC proved to be a huge ordeal! I hit SNAFU after SNAFU. Firstly, I tried using the same 64bit Ubuntu 14.04 Desktop ISO I did for all the other PCs in the room. The problem with a 64bit OS is that SmartNotebook for Linux only has a 32bit version. So, I tried linux32 mode which didn't work and FUBARed my apt-get dependencies list. I should have RTFMed re linux32....
Now, I had to download the 32bit Ubuntu 14.04 Desktop and start all over! However, when I was nearly done installing everything, I added the Dropbox Daemon which totally destroyed QT and Chrome!
I should have remembered: you have to KISS! So, you guessed it, I tried again with the 32bit OS. This time all went smoothly as detailed below except I could not get avconv to work. I don't know if I needed new switches (I tried several new combinations) or if my new hardware was to blame. So, I got rid of avconv and setup JRE in Firefox so http://screencast-o-matic.com (SOM) would work. The only problem with SOM is that it does not encode on the fly like avconv did. For example, I tested SOM on a 10 minute ScreenCast. I had to encode it after recording. It took over 5 minutes to encode and produced an MP4 larger than 20MB. This file uploaded and rendered well on YouTube, so I'm happy! BTW, the avconv files took a long time to render on Youtube, so that's a plus!
IIRC: New PC Hardware
SEPT (ssh server) Moment of Silence:
Caprica replaced Guardian
JAN (ssh server) Moment of Silence:
Shadowfax replaced Caprica
JAN (teacher pc) Moment of Silence:
Rivendell replaced Shadowfax
Here's what I did to set up our new Teacher Linux Box(similar to Student PCs):
TEACHER PC INSTALL
(01)Download the latest version of Ubuntu. (32bit)
(02)Burn the ISO file to DVD with Brasero.
(03)Reboot PC with DVD.
(04)Install to a Linux Partition (reformatting entire hdd) following script.
(05)Reboot Linux Partition.
(06a)display = 1400x1050
(06b)Tweak Appearance
(07)Tweak Brightness
(08)Configure Network
Method: Manual
Address: 10.5.129.25
NetMask: 255.255.0.0
Gateway: 10.5.0.254
DNS: 10.1.1.19
Proxy: none
(for direct connection to internet)
(09)Configure Printers
10.10.10.18
(10)sudo chmod 700 /usr/games/*
(11)sudo apt-get update
(12)sudo apt-get upgrade
(13a)install openssh-server from shell:
sudo apt-get install openssh-server
(13b)install WINE from USC
(13c)adduser legolas
NB: su = gimli with Unit Circle Desktop Background (public desktop from boot)
NB: legolas with Shadowfax Desktop Background (my passwd protected desktop)
NB: set display to 1400x1050 for legolas too for larger TI Emulators and smaller ScreenCast MP4 files
(14a)add WABBIT folder to desktop
(14b)add KARMTI folder to desktop
(15a)install Xournal from USC
(15b)install/activate SmartNotebook 11
NB: dependency order
xf86-input-nextwindow*.deb
libudev0*.deb
smart-common*.deb
nwfermi*.deb
smart-activation*.deb
smart-gallerysetup*.deb
smart-hwr*.deb
smart-languagesetup*.deb
smart-product-drivers*.deb
smart-notebook*.deb
(16)install JRE for Firefox (SOM, SAGE)
download from java.sun.com
extract in download folder
cd ./mozilla
mkdir plugins
cd plugins
ln -s /libnpjp2.so
NB: Firefox tabs = edmodo.com, screencast-o-matic.com, sage.math.clemson.edu:34567, sagecell.sagemath.org, dropbox.com, wileyplus.com, lionnet.ncc.edu, www.youtube.com/calcpage2009, mcdvoice.com
(17a)install Dropbox app w/o daemon
(17b)install chrome.google.com
NB: Chrome tabs = esd.nasboces.org, shadowfaxrant.blogspot.com, groups.google.com, pandora.com, pastebin.com/u/calcpage, donorschoose.org, splashtop.com/linux#download, teamviewer.com, packages.ubuntu.com, fireeye.com, support.microsoft.office.com
(18)install Splashtop from website
(19)install Teamviewer from website
(20)install VLC from USC
NB: don't install ubuntu-restricted-extras from apt-get as playing commercial DVDs does not work anymore.
NB: desktop sidebar =
folders, firefox, chrome, SmartNotebook, sound, PDFviewer, VLC, shell, gedit, xournal, LibreWriter, LibreCalc, LiberImpress, USC, Teamviewer, Splashtop, DropBox, trash
LEGEND
IIRC =
"If I ReCall (correctly)" (phrase)
SNAFU =
"Situation Normal, All Fraked Up" (noun)
FUBAR =
"Fraked Up Beyond All Recognition" (verb)
RTFM =
"Read The Fraking Manual" (verb)
KISS =
"Keep It Simple Stupid" (verb)
CIS(theta) 2014-2015
January Meeting 2: AppInventor
We finally got a chance to do some block coding at http://appinventor.mit.edu/explore/
I tried using the Droid App to test students' code on my phone but the
app didn't work. It was using the school WiFi so that was not the
problem. Maybe the coder and the tester have to have the same google
account? So, we installed the emulator instead which was very easy to
do.
CIS(theta) 2014-2015
January Meeting 1: Server Install Fest!
Technically,
this is not a meeting. It's an update of our Linux Install Fest meeting
in October when we re installed all the Student PCs.
SERVER INSTALL
Here's what we did to set up our new SSH Server Linux Box(similar to Student PCs):
(01)Download the latest version of Ubuntu.
(02)Burn the ISO file to DVD with Brasero.
(03)Reboot PC with DVD.
(04)Install to a Linux (reformatting entire hdd) following script.
(05)Reboot Linux Partition.
(06)Tweak Appearance
(07)Tweak Brightness
(08)Configure Network
Method: Manual
Address: 10.5.254.247
(replacing 10.5.254.244)
NetMask: 255.255.0.0
Gateway: 10.5.0.254
DNS: 10.1.1.19
Proxy: none
(for direct connection to internet)
(09)Configure Printers
none
(don't need a ton of print jobs from home)
(10)sudo chmod 700 /usr/games/*
(11)sudo apt-get update
(12)sudo apt-get upgrade
(13)install openssh-server from shell:
sudo apt-get install openssh-server
(14)install JDK from http://java.sun.com
IIRC: For this step I need to download a tarball *.gz file and extract it in /usr/local:
sudo cd /usr/local
sudo cp ~/Downloads/*.gz .
sudo tar zxvf *.gz
This
file decompresses into all the JDK subdirectories I need for SE8. Then I
have to add that directory to the system wide profile so anyone can use
it.
What I did for SE7: install
the jdk in /usr/local and add the directory containing java, javac,
javadoc and appletviewer (/usr/local/jdk1.7.0_09/bin) to
/etc/environment
(15)addusers
I
named the new ssh server shadowfax and created 1 user so far for myself
called gandalf. So, I'll be sshing into the server from now on as:
ssh gandalf@10.5.254.247
and my commandline prompt will be:
gandalf@shadowfax:~$
Next,
I'll have to install the new SmartNoteBook, xournal, avconv,
Screencast-o-matic, team-viewer and SplashTop (aka pen apps,
screencasters and desktop mirrors, etc) server!
I think I'll make the su
prompt:
gimli@rivendell:~$
I think I'll make my
prompt:
legolas@rivendell:~$
Note
to self: I'll probably install openssh-server on all the PCs so I can
monitor them remotely even from home. We only have the new server to shh
into from home, then I can ssh from that PC to any Linux Box in the
room.
CIS(theta) 2014-2015
December Meeting: #HourOfCode!
Sorry, we had to cancel the November meeting. Anyway, I'm doing the HourOfCode this week with 250 students! So, we did the HourOfCode after school for CIS(theta) too!
We watched the four tutorial videos on the MIT AppInventor site (formally
hosted by Google). Now, everyone needs to get MIT AppInventor working
at home so we can do these tutorials ourselves!
If
you have an Android phone, you can get the tutorials running on your
phone by simply scanning a QR code with their app. If you don't have a
Droid, you'll have to set up an emulator in your browser (instructions
are on the website).
Coding
with AppInventor requires a google account (like gmail) and runs an a
cloud SAAS server (Software As A Service) via a browser. You will be
using a visual programming environment like Blockly or Scratch that runs
JavaScript under the hood.
HWK:
Make sure you can show me your progress with AppInventor during the
next meeting and how to set it all up on our PCs in Room 429. You need
to have the 4 tutorials (3 apps) done by then. If you have trouble, help
eachother via our Edmodo page. You also need to think about what kind
of app you want to develop.
We
can still set up Android Studio software stack which is easier than
using Eclipse. However, AppInventor looks even easier than Android SDK.
So, let's try this first!
CIS(theta) 2014-2015
October Meeting 2: Ubuntu Install Fest!
STUDENT PC INSTALL
Here's what we did:
(01)Download the latest version of Ubuntu.
(02)Burn the ISO file to DVD with Brasero.
(03)Reboot PC with DVD.
(04)Install to a Linux Partition following script.
(05)Reboot Linux Partition.
(06)Tweak Appearance
(07)Tweak Brightness
(08)Configure Network
Method: Manual
Address: 10.5.129.xxx
NetMask: 255.255.0.0
Gateway: 10.5.0.254
DNS: 10.1.1.19
Proxy: Manual/10.0.0.125
(09)Configure Printers
10.10.10.18
(10)sudo chmod 700 /usr/games/*
(11)sudo apt-get update
(12)sudo apt-get upgrade
(13a)install openssh-server from shell:
sudo apt-get install openssh-server
(13b)install WINE from USC
(14a)add WABBIT folder to the desktop
(14b)add TI-84C.rom to WABBIT folder
(15)FireFox http://sagecell.sagemath.org
We don't use TI-84 much anymore, but it's there just in case! We use SAGE in preCalculus, TI nSpire CX CAS handhelds in Calculus and Java in AP Computer Science.
We
had a huge problem when rebooting the new Linux Partition for the first
time. The refresh rate was incorrect for our max res 1600x900. So we
had to tweak Displays first. Right after boot up, the monitor was
unstable and flickered on and off 3 times. If you are quick, you can
tweak Displays to 1280x1024 before the monitor goes completely dead! So,
now we have a clean install of Ubuntu Linux 14.10 Utopic Unicorn 64bit
Desktop and we can add the Android Studio software stack to this next
time.
UPDATE01:
If you google "utopic lenovo thinkcentre blank screen" you will find this.
The bug report describes an issue with Lenovo ThinkCentre m-Series
nvidia and intel graphics cards not playing well with compiz (a 3d
accelerator for the Unity/Gnome desktops). This bug report also gives
the following fix.
If you have a stable desktop (ctrl)(alt)T, if not (ctrl)(alt)(F4), to get a terminal and enter:
dconf reset -f /org/compiz
setsid unity
After this procedure you should be able to boot up to a stable desktop and reset the display to 1900x1600.
UPDATE02:
Next
I'll install a new openSSH/jdk server and a new SmartBoard, SplashTop,
VLC, avconv server the same way adding these services. Except, for the
networking setup, these servers do not use the proxy!
UPDATE03:
14.10
is turning out to be very buggy. Not only is the X window system
unstable but our mouse movement is very erratic and changing settings
doesn't help. We are downgrading to Trusty Tapir 14.04.1!
ATTENDANCE (10/30): BryceB, CheyenneC, CliffordD, DanielP, DavidZ, XXXXXX, KeyhanV, NoelS, SafirT
CIS(theta) 2014-2015
October Meeting: Ubuntu Install Fest!
(1) The plan was to download the latest version of Ubuntu.
We tried to download Ubuntu 14.10 but 14.04 is still out! So, we'll
burn the latest ISO to DVD and have a major install fest next meeting
(10/22).
(2) We collected the Student Application forms for the NCSHS.
You only need 2 semesters of CS related classes. You have 4 years worth
to choose from: HonorsCS, APCS, CIS(theta) and Robotics! Community
Service is helping friends with APCS projects, helping peeps with PC
problems and helping me figure our Android Studio!
(3) We talked about installing Android Studio! We won't be installing the Android Software Stack until we update Ubuntu.
(4)
This is an independent study class. In other words, you're only going
to get out of it what you put into it. You need to do research at home.
If possible, install Ubuntu 14.10 at home and the Android Software
Stack. Also, try viewing some Android Studio tutorials!
NEW DISPLAY CASES:
NEW SMARTBOARD SETUP:
NOTE MIC FOR SCREENCASTING
NOTE TI nSPIRE EMULATOR
NEW DECOR IN THE REAR OF ROOM 429:
NOTE SLIDERULE
NOTE SERVERS
NEW DECOR ON THE SIDES OF ROOM 429:
NOTE FRACTALS AND RAY TRACINGS
NEW VIEW FROM LEFT REAR SIDE:
NOTE UBUNTU DESKTOP
NEW VIEW AS YOU WALK IN:
NOTE SIDERULE
CIS(theta) 2014-2015
September Meeting: Administrativa!
(1) Wreath of the Unknown Server: We visited our first ssh server, Colossus,
which is still in the switch room though dormant. I set it up for the
first time in 1995 running Slackware Linux. Colossus ran for 12 years
straight, 24x7 never having to shut down, reboot or even have anything
re-installed!
(2)
Planning: We have to wait another 2 weeks (10/8) at which point Ubuntu
14.10 Desktop Edition should be available for a mini install fest. After
that, we will look into installing an Android Development stack to make
our own apps! Maybe we'll try Android Studio.
(3) Display Case Unveiled: We took down a ton of fractal prints and ray tracings from
Room 429 to the 2 cases on the 1st floor near the art wing. We
decorated both cases as best we could and left before anyone saw us.
Must have been gremlins.
(4) NCSHS:
We're going to start a chapter of the National Computer Science Honor
Society. We talked about the requirements for membership and how to
start a chapter. Each chapter is called Omicron Zeta something. This is a
pretty new honor society. The first few chapters were called Omicron Zeta Alpha and Omicron Zeta Beta. So, if were are, for example, the 12th chapter, we'd be called Omicron Zeta Pi!
==================================
What we are researching
==================================
Membership (alphabetic by first name):
CIS(theta) 2014-2015: BryceB, CheyenneC, CliffordD, DanielP, DavidZ, GabrielT, KeyhanV, NoelS, SafirT
CIS(theta) 2013-2014: BryanS, CheyenneC, DanielG, HarineeN, RichardH, RyanW, TatianaR, TylerK
CIS(theta) 2012-2013: Kyle Seipp
CIS(theta) 2011-2012: Graham Smith, George Abreu, Kenny Krug, LucasEager-Leavitt
CIS(theta) 2010-2011: David Gonzalez, Herbert Kwok, Jay Wong, Josh Granoff, Ryan Hothan
CIS(theta) 2009-2010: Arthur Dysart, Devin Bramble, Jeremy Agostino, Steve Beller
CIS(theta) 2008-2009: Marc Aldorasi, Mitchel Wong
CIS(theta) 2007-2008: Chris Rai, Frank Kotarski, Nathaniel Roman
CIS(theta) 1988-2007: A. Jorge Garcia, Gabriel Garcia, James McLurkin, Joe Bernstein, ... too many to mention here!
==================================
Well, that's all folks!
Happy DROID App Development,
A. Jorge Garcia
Applied Math, Physics and CS
http://shadowfaxrant.blogspot.com
http://www.youtube.com/calcpage2009
2015 NYS Secondary Math PAEMST Nominee
http://www.youtube.com/calcpage2009
2015 NYS Secondary Math PAEMST Nominee
