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IntroductionToTheLinuxPi

Course overview

This course will teach the basics of Linux and show you how to build useful projects on the low-cost Raspberry Pi.

The course is an introduction to command line Ubuntu Linux running on the Raspberry Pi. The class is taught by Brian Shaw, an instructor with over a decade of Linux server administration experience.

What is the Raspberry Pi?

The Raspberry Pi is a low cost ARM-based microcomputer designed for education and hobbiest use. You can find more detailed information about the Pi at The Raspberry Pi website.

Students taking this course will learn skills necessary to run many types of software and servers, from a web server and media center to a Teamtalk server and broadcasting software. These skills are transferrable to other Linux systems, though the PI will be used as a focal point in this course. Students come to the course with a wide range of experience, from the novice Linux user to those who have been using the command line for years. There is something for everyone here. This course starts at the beginning, covering Ubuntu set-up and how to navigate using the command line. It progresses to teach file and disk management and then server administration skills needed to run projects on the Pi.

Some of the general Linux topics included are:

• Setting up and using a Linux virtual machine
• Using software and SSH to access a Linux server
• Navigating and using the file system
• Creating user accounts and user permissions
• Using Screen to run multiple programs and services
• Using Ed, a powerful text editor
• Installing software packages
• Using archive software to work with files
• Installing and setting up a web server
• Installing and configuring a mail transport agent
• Installing and configuring a media center
• Understanding and working with regular expressions
• Writing basic shell scripts
• Understanding security principles related to networking under Linux

Exactly what will the course cover?

Students who complete this course will graduate with a working knowledge of the Linux command-line, and the skills and ability to administer an imbedded Linux system.

Weeks 1 through 6 cover basic Linux concepts which will then be applied to the Raspberry Pi from week 7 and beyond. Any student wishing to take this course should have a Raspberry Pi computer and parts in their possession by week 7, (see parts list below.)

We'll use a free virtual machine for the first six weeks of class.

This course will attempt to cover the following learning objectives:

• What is Linux?
• Why use a Pi?
• How can it be accessed via the network?
• Basic Linux commands and file management
• Editing files and configuring the system.
• Setting up the Raspberry Pi
• Preparing the SD card.
• ensuring access to the system over Ethernet.
• Logging in for the first time.
• configuring aspects of the Pi.
• getting the Pi to make sound.
• connecting USB devices to your Pi.
• building a Media server
• other student projects by demand

Parts list

To undertake this course you will need the following parts. Anything marked optional is exactly that. For ease of use, there are kits containing the components you need, and those may save you money as well. Here's what you need:

• A Raspberry Pi Microcomputer.
• A Case, (Optional but highly recommended)
• At least a 4GB Class 6 SD-card.
• A compatible Micro-USB power-supply for the Pi.
• An ethernet cable and ethernet port to connect your Pi to.
• Optional USB Wireless dongle for a wires-free connection however ethernet will be configured first.

Raspberry Pi Kits

Here are several kits students have used successfully in prior terms.

• CanaKit Raspberry Pi Ultimate Starter Kit has everything you need for the class and multiple projects in the future.
• CanaKit Raspberry Pi (512 MB) Complete Starter Kit has everything you need for this course without the extra video capabilities of the previous kit and doesn't come with a lot of LED lights.
• The Raspberry Pi Starter Kit with Model B Board, Power Supply, Case and Sd Card with Os is a great barebones kit for people who already have Ethernet and video cables and just need the Pi and basics like the power supply. .

We've used Amazon links here for brevity. Please let us know if you need help locating similar parts in your country or region.

Please direct any questions regarding this course to caviinfo at ciscovision.org

Note: This course is for those who want to learn how to use the Linux command line to create projects and/or administer systems and networks using the Raspberry Pi. If you would rather use a graphical user interface, you may want to find another course that teaches Vinux.

How To Enroll

Enrolling is easy. The deadline for enrollment is Mid February or August of the current year. Just download our enrollment application. Fill it out and email it to us at caviinfo at ciscovision dot org

Linux Wiki

For more information on this course, lectures and study group notes and a wealth of information on linux in general, please see the CAVI Linux Wiki.