Answer three questions from each of the following three sections. Answers should be at the very least a paragraph or two. Some may need to be much longer. You will likely need your text book, a web browser, and a computer running Linux to answer these questions. You should not spend more than five hours on this exam. The exams are due by Wednesday, May 9.
Software in Linux can be installed from binary or from source. To make the installation of binaries easier many Linux distribution install binaries as packages. What are packages? What are package managers? Explain in detail five ways to install software in Linux. How can you keep your packages up-to-date in Debian? How does Debian's package management compare to that of other distributions?
Explain the conceptual structure of X and how it is implemented in Linux.
Include set-up instructions and a sample configuration files. If you are
using any desktop/window managers or themes, which are you using?
Explain how to configure and install a new kernel. What options would you
include in your kernel? What version of the Linux kernel are you using?
What do the version numbers mean?
List all services that are running on your computer. How can you turn off
services on your computer? What are other things you can do to make it
more secure? What are some typical security holes? Why might someone want
to perform exploits on your computer?
What is samba? Explain how to set up and configure samba. You may need to install samba in order to answer this question. Include all commands that you executed and the text of any relevant configuration files.
Set up one of the following services that we discussed in class and explain
in detail the set up and configuration that was necessary: print services,
web services, or database services. Please write up your explanation so
that it can serve as a guide for others looking to perform the same task.
The OSI networking model, usually considered a seven layer model, is
sometimes simplified to a four layer model. Explain in detail the four
layers of the OSI model that we discussed in class. Give the IP address and
routes of your computer, as well an explanation of methods for determining
them.
There are a tremendous number of different Linux distributions. Why do you
think there are so many? Is this a good thing? Compare and contrast any
other Linux distribution to Debian. You might wish to mention the aims of
the distribution, when it started, what makes it unique, strengths and
weaknesses, the installation process, package management, security, and the
development cycle of the distribution.
Do you think Linux is a viable option for a desktop operating system? Why or why not?
Explain what is meant be the terms öpen" and "free". What are the
differences between the two?
Comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the "cathedral" and "bazaar"
development models. Which do you think is the most successful and why?
Read and summarize the GPL.