We are going to look at operating systems in general, but for our labs we will work with a Linux server, i.e., running a Linux operating system.

Why ?  Because Linux is widely deployed and easy for us to access in the cloud, or download and install.  In addition, you will have access to a Kennesaw virtual desktop, where you can access a version of Linux called Kali.   There are advantages to each of these Linux environments:

• building Linux in the cloud gives you a continuous environment to use that is available anywhere PLUS the Cloud is a hot topic these days;
• by installing your own Linux server, you will have it to use locally (where ever you install it).  There are many flavors of Linux but I will provide you instructions for installing Ubuntu.  Ubuntu is used in many settings including IoT and the cloud. 

Start reading about Computer Architecture and Operating Systems in Module 1.  Next, start exploring the two options (Cloud and Ubuntu) for building your own Linux server in documents titled:

• Jump Start Ubuntu - on your own hardware
• Jump Start  AWS.Amazon.com  - in the Amazon cloud               FOLLOW FREE PROMPTS AND DO NOT ENTER CREDIT CARD INFO
• Jump Start  Cloud.Google.com/free  - in Google cloud
• Jump Start  Azure.Microsoft.com  - free Microsoft cloud

Lab 1 consists of installing a Linux server (note, do not install the Linux desktop version).  Once your server is up and running you will start learning basic Linux commands.  Deliverables for the labs consist of written exercises and server exercises.  You will do screenshots of your commands to submit with your labs.  Do not submit screenshots of your entire desktop.  Review the document in Module 1 called "How To Do Great Screenshots."

TIPS

Set up a yahoo or gmail account just for professional tech items, sign up for software downloads, subscriptions, newsletters and other tech information.

If you setup your own Linux server (NOT a desktop!)  and do these labs, then you will always have them.  Class environments go away at the end of each semester. 

Download Screenhunter Free from Wisdom-Soft.com   - a nice screenshot tool.  Perfect for our labs.  You can set up a directory for images to go to.

If you just want to "play" on a terminal there is one online here  https://www.tutorialspoint.com/unix_terminal_online.php  it's Unix but that's close to Linux.

Let's get this party started !