VirtualBox

We will be using VirtualBox to run a Virtual Machine with all the software we need for CS2613.

You can either use the VM in the FCS teaching labs, remotely via the UNB VPN, or on your own computer. Remote usage is optional, but may be helpful if you cannot (or prefer not) to come to campus.

If you have problems with any of this, I suggest checking the frequently asked questions for hints.

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Running the VM in the FCS teaching labs.

• This is the most supported and default method.

• After logging in to one of the lab workstations, select

  Applications -> FCS VMs -> CS2613 Dev VM

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Running the VM remotely on FCS Linux Computers

Advantages

• This is the second most supported method. It has been used successfully by many students in the past.
• The Faculty Systems Support Division will help you with steps needed, if you get stuck.
• This does not require a fast computer at home.
• Backup of your files is handled by FCS

Disadvantages

• This requires a fast and reliable network connection.
• Even with a fast network connection, it's noticably slower than running the VM locally, at least on my computer.
• Getting the VM started is a bit more complicated.
• You must write any files you want preserved between reboots to the fcshome directory.

One time setup

• You need to configure the UNB VPN

Starting the VM

1. Connect to the UNB VPN.
2. Connect your browser to FCS Remote Lab
3. Log in with your FCS credentials.
4. Start a VNC session
5. Connect via Browser (this will require entering the same credentials again).
6. Follow the steps above to start the VM.

Storage in the VM

This section applies to running the on FCS computers (locally or remotely).

• The disk of the VM is reset on every startup. This means that unless you are careful, you will lose files.

• There is a link fcshome in the home directory of the VM. This points into your normal FCS Linux home directory. Any work that you do not want to throw away must be stored under fcshome.

• One way to avoid lost work is to make sure that you commit and push your work.

• You have been warned. Don't expect sympathy (or extensions) if your only copy of some coursework is on the local disk of the VM.

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Installing the VM on your own computer

Advantages

• Performance is better, on most recent computers.
• Day to day network usage (after the initial VM download) is lighter and more tolerant of outages.

Disadvantages

• You need to download a 2.7GB VirtualBox Appliance.

• This method is method is not officially supported by FCS. I'll do my best to help with questions, but testing remote access as a fallback.

• You are responsible for backing up your own files. See the FAQ for some suggestions.

• Much of the course materials were originally written with the assumption that students were using a machine in the FCS Linux labs, so you may have to adjust what you read.

Initial Setup

1. Read the general FCS instructions for installing a VM.

2. Install VirtualBox. This may be available from your linux distribution, or you may have to download it directly.

3. Download the [VirtualBoxAppliance]

4. Import the appliance from the VirtualBox GUI.

Starting the VM

1. Connect to the UNB VPN. This is needed to push your work to coursegit, which is mandatory to hand in work, and strongly at the end of each session.

2. Start VirtualBox on your computer.

3. Select fcs-vm-cs2613-dev from the list of available VMs, and click "Start".

Storage in the VM

This section applies only to running the VM on your own computer.

• Unlike the VMs running in FCS labs (see above), storage is not wiped on each reboot.

• You can either add your own shared folder (see VirtualBox documention), or use a directory in the student home directory.

• You are responsible for backups. See the FAQ for hints.

Networking

The VM relies on the host (i.e. your PC) for the UNB VPN connection. It has been tested (so far) on Windows and Linux, and access to coursegit should work exactly the same as from the VM running in FCS as long as the UNB VPN is connected.

There may some complications for openfortivpn users on Linux; I can give you some hints for proper (non default) configuration.

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General Hints

The remainder of the page applies to both methods of running the VM.

Shutting Down the VM

You should shut down the VM cleanly either with the host+h hotkey or by selecting

    Machine -> ACPI Shutdown

from the VirtualBox menubar.

This is particularly important for users running the VM at home.

Using Gnome

• The GUI in this VM is a mostly uncustomized Gnome 3
• This is similar to the standary FCS Linux GUI, but instead of a menu bar, there is simply a Button marked 'Activities'. This brings you to the screen known as Activities Overview in the FCS Linux GUI.

Activities Overview

• This screen can also be brought up with the (Left) Windows key.

• On the left is a dock of frequently used applications. You will often use the Terminal. Others applications will be added to the dock as you use them, or explicitely drag them over.

• Don't spend too much time customizing the GUI as it resets| on every boot.

• For more applications you can either search in the box at the top, or click the bottom icon in the dock for "more applications"

• After you have started one or more applications, this screen will display scaled down versions to allow you to quickly switch between them.