STIK2044 Operating System

(A221)
INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT 1 (5 MARKS)

Title:
Exploring Linux Operating System for Personal Use

CLO4 (A3, C3, P5) -Demonstrate a selected Operating System and its command
Practical Skills (LOC3a) – 5 Marks

INSTRUCTIONS

You are required to explore the Linux Operating System for personal use. While exploring the operating
system, you are required to report the results of your exploration. To make it easier for you to write a
report, this task has been divided into 4 sections. What you need to include in each section has been
described (in the form of questions) in each section below. Each part should be written using the Calibri
font with a size of 11 and use 1.5 line spacing. The number of pages suggested for each section is ONE (1).

1. Running Linux on your machine.

You are required to explore the Linux operating system for your personal use. There are many
options for running a Linux operating system on your machine.

a. What machine / device would you use for this purpose?

b. Explain briefly FOUR (4) options available.
1. Install VirtualBox, get the Iso file for a Linux distribution such as Ubuntu, and install that Linux
distribution within the virtual machine.

2. The second option is Cygwin. Cygwin is a suite of utilities that provides an environment similar to
Linux on Windows.

3. Install Ubuntu using Wubi is the third option. Technically, this option installs Linux, not Linux
software on Windows. If you installed Linux in a conventional dual-boot setup, you must reboot
the device every time you wish to use it.

4. Forth option programmes are ported and compiled. Numerous common Linux apps have been
 ported to Windows and their built versions are accessible online.

a. Which option did you choose? Give THREE (3) justifications.

b. Include some pictures (photos and screenshots) as evidence that the Linux operating
system has been successfully run on your machine.

2. Linux Distribution (Distro)

The first step before exploring the Linux operating system is choosing the Linux distribution (distro)
you’ll want to use. Unlike Windows 10, there’s no single version of Linux. Each distribution unites
some combination of elements into a single operating system you can install. Linux distro can be
developed based on other distro or independently.

a. List FIVE (5) Linux distro that are Independent (not based from other Distro).
1. Ubuntu
2. Arch Linux
3. Fedora
4. Kubuntu
5. Deepin

b. What is the name of Linux Distro you choose. Give THREE (3) justifications.
c. Run TWO (2) commands on Linux CLI (terminal) to show your Linux Distro. Screenshots
command and output for both commands.
3. Linux Kernel

The Linux kernel is the largest component of the Linux operating system and is charged with
managing the hardware, running user programs, and maintaining the security and integrity of the
whole system.

a. List FIVE (5) major subsystems in Linux Kernel.

1. Process Manager
2. Memory Manager
3. Virtual File System
4. Network Interface
5. Inter-process Communication Interface

b. Run TWO (2) commands on Linux CLI (terminal) to show/display/check your Linux Kernel
Version. Screenshots command and output for both commands.

c. You are not satisfied with the Linux Kernel you are currently use. Is linux kernel can be
modified? If 'YES', is it legal? Justify.

Yes, Linux Kernel can be modified, and it is permissible to modify the Linux Kernel source code.
Linux is distributed under the terms of the General Public License (General Public License). Any
GPL-licensed project is editable and modifiable by end users.

4. Linux Desktop Environment

A desktop environment (DE) is an implementation of the desktop metaphor made of a bundle of

programs, which share a common graphical user interface (GUI).

a. List FIVE (5) desktop environment available for Linux.

1. KDE
2. MATE
3. GNOME
4. Cinnamon
5. Budgie

b. Run TWO (2) commands on Linux CLI (terminal) to show/display/check your current (default)
Linux Desktop Environment . Screenshots command and output for both commands.
c. Different desktop environments have different strengths and weaknesses. Based on the
strengths and weaknesses in your default desktop environment, is it right for you? Justify.

GNOME fits my needs. For me, GNOME is basic and easy to use. GNOME has a panel for
shortcuts. Similar to the Ubuntu dock, the GNOME desktop contains a hidden panel that is
revealed by going to Overview. It docks the user's favourite apps alongside the icon for
displaying all programmes. With the option to reorganise programmes by clicking and dragging,
it is simple to add new applications and eliminate unused ones. However, GNOME no on-screen
task management. GNOME Shell imposes a significant cost on its users. When you want to
switch between programmes, you must click the Activities button (or move the cursor to the
upper left corner of the screen) before you can access a task list. This is a terrible issue for
those who are accustomed to juggling multiple tasks.
Switching from the main Firefox window to the Downloads window involves twice as many
clicks as is necessary.