About the Contest
All the teams will bring their own hardware and software and set it up
in Foy Union Center (see the directions to
Foy) on Friday, October 29, between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Please, read this page very carefully and follow the descriptions how
to set up hardware and software.
Please contact acm-prog-99-tech@eng.auburn.edu
for technical questions.
Programming Environment
We will use Linux as operating system and the programming
languages C, C++, Pascal and Java. Check out the details
below. System configuration details are
available, including package
lists and configuration files.
Preliminary Software Guidelines
OPERATING SYSTEM
Redhat Linux 6.0
Two options will be provided for installation
- You should use the boot.img file found on your Red Hat CD.
Copy the kickstart and syslinux configuration files using the
directions on the configuration
page.
- We will provide a list of all
necessary packages as well as the kickstart and syslinux configuration
files.
PROGRAMMING
NETWORK
- BEFORE ARRIVAL
- The first time you boot your newly installed Linux box you
may notice that it says that it can't configure your network
device (eth0 or whatever). This just means that it could not find
an address in most cases. You may use linuxconf or other tool
to temporarily assign a static network address to your
machine to ease in installation of packages. Before you bring
the machine to auburn, set it back to DHCP.
-
If you plan on using XFree86 for windowing, you are responsible for making
sure that your XF86Config file is working correctly prior to arrival. It
is recommended that you stick to name-brand video cards and monitors for
this reason. You may find help with this at http://www.xfree86.org/FAQ/.
You may use Linux virtual consoles and not worry about X if
you wish, but the debugging tools and windowing capabilities will provide
you with better productivity in general.
- /etc/hosts should contain the following entry:
192.168.1.10 server loghost
- The file
/root/.rhosts should be created and
should contain
server root
- AFTER ARRIVAL
- clients will be setup to use NIS and accounts will be created
- Each machine will be checked for unnecessary packages or source
code
- If you use the configuration floppy image, you will have the
right packages installed (except you will not have the GNU pascal
compiler and the blackdown Java environment - you may go and get
these yourself and install them, but you don't have to. We will
have this software available on the network.
- Do not put on extra packages that are not either in the approved
list or on the floppy (excluding java and pascal mentioned above).
Any extra packages will be removed from your machine and may subject
you to disqualification.
- All machines will be scanned for files that are not part of any
of the approved packages. Attempts to hide, obscure, or otherwise
bring in non-approved packages will be viewed dimly and may subject
you to disqualification.
Preliminary Hardware List
Since we are using Redhat Linux 6.0, the Redhat Hardware Compatibility
List should be consulted for any questions concerning supported
hardware.
| Power strip: |
6 ft appliance type 3 prong
extension cord;
50 ft or longer 10BaseT cable.
|
| CPU: | Intel only - 166 or higher |
| Memory: | 32 MB minimum, 64 MB recommended |
| Floppy Drive: | yes |
| Hard Drive: |
IDE, 1 GB or larger |
| CD-ROM: |
IDE, 100% ATAPI compliant, 8x or faster |
| Video Card: |
see XFree86-3.3.3.1 Video Cards
Must be video card supported by XF86_SVGA server |
| Network Card: |
3Com, Asante, Kingston, Digital/DEC, Intel (See NOT SUPPORTED) |
| Mouse: |
any PS/2, serial - Logitech or Microsoft |
| Monitor: |
any monitor, but they must know the refresh rates in order to set up an x server |
| Keyboard: |
yes |
| Printer: |
a printer is optional; any printer that works under Linux, 4 network printers will be available |
NOT SUPPORTED
| CD-ROM: | Parallel-Port, Liteon |
| DVD: | any |
| Network Card: | Intel EtherExpress Pro/10 PCI, Xircom |
| Bus: | Microchannel, USB, Firewire |
NOT REQUIRED
Tape Drive, Sound Card, Modem, Scanner, Infrared Device
|
