On-Site Linux Training Facility Requirements

The following is the list of requirements for On-Site Linux Training Courses.  If you have any questions please contact us. We are flexible.  We can work with any recent Linux distribution if you have it installed and individual student laptops are acceptable. 

Virtualized environments are also acceptable, although we can not guarantee detailed technical support due to the diversity of virtualization solutions.

For developer and performance tuning classes it is essential that students have root access as they will need to install software, run administrator utilities, and in kernel-related classes compile and install customized kernels. 

The following requirements are recommended when we are expected to do the installation:

Student Machines

• x86 processor, 2 GHz or better, preferably dual core or better
• 32-bit with PAE support, or 64-bit
• 2GB RAM minimum, 4GB if using virtualized machine
• 30 GB hard disk space
• Bootable DVD drive (if we are doing the install)
• Video card capable of at least 1024x768
• 100 MB ethernet NIC (or better)
• USB 2.0 port

If student machines do not have direct internet access and must be NAT’ed through the instructor machine, there should be two NICs, one connected to the internet and one to the classroom network.

Instructor Machine

The instructor may use their own laptop or a machine provided by you, in which case it should have the same specifications as the student machines.

There should also be an Internet connection available for the instructor to connect a laptop in close proximity to the instructor machine.

Networking

An intra-classroom network is essential. 

Connection to the Internet improves class quality but is not mandatory when institutional policy makes it unavailable.  In this case, make sure we know well in advance so the instructor can prepare properly for the lack of internet.

All routers and switches should be 100 MB or better.

Projector

Capable of at least 1024x768 resolution.

There should also be a white board and/or easel for the instructor to draw figures, etc.

Installation

If you are using pre-installed Linux laptops, please let us know in advance so we can make sure the distribution is appropriate; generally any  recent Linux distribution should be fine.

If our instructor is doing the installation, the preferred method is to wipe the entire hard disk and do a fresh installation of an Enterprise Linux distribution on the morning of the first day before class starts.  The facility must permit the instructor to arrive at least an hour before the class starts to perform the installation. The distribution chosen can be 64-bit or 32-bit; 64-bit is the preferred default.  If the facility has a preferred distribution, method of installation, or wishes to preserve hard disk partitioning, they must contact The Linux Foundation to discuss logistics, as it may delay class starting time.

It is also possible to perform certain classes using virtualized machines, in which case memory and processor requirements tend to be more robust. If virtualization is used, it is the responsibility of the facilty to provide working environments. This is not the preferred method and the facility should contact the Linux Foundation to discuss logistics. We can provide pre-built images that will work with either the VMware family of products, including VMplayer,  and with Oracle Virtual Box.  Please contact us for details.

Work with us:

On-site situations are always unique and it is important to discuss issues with us well in advance to make sure all needs are understood and fulfilled with ease.

Executive Summary

As long as the classroom hardware is of recent vintage, the requirements are modest.  There must be a wired (not wireless) 100 MB or better network.  There must be a decent projection device.

 

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