In this course we will be using a unix terminal. Since it may be difficult to debug many different computers with many different configurations, I ask that all Windows users install Ubuntu, a linux based operating system.
The following are the options for booting Ubuntu on a Windows computer. I reccomend "Option 1": setting up Ubuntu inside a virtual machine on Windows.
- Option 1 (recommended) - If your computer is fast enough, run Ubuntu inside a virtual machine. Instructions to do this are below. This link does a good job of explaining the benefits of this option.
- Option 2 - Boot Ubuntu off of a flash drive. This might be a good option if your computer is proving too slow to run Ubuntu in a Virtual Machine. You can boot the operating system off a flash drive rather than your hard-drive. This will work best with a USB 3.0 capable flash drive.
- Option 3 Dual boot Linux and Windows on your computer. This is recommended only for advanced users because it involves making major changes to your hard-drive. Make sure to back up all of your files before installing the new operating system.
-
Download Virtualbox
-
Download the Ubuntu ISO
-
Make sure resource virtualization is enabled in the bios for your computer (this will vary based on the computer you have)
-
Create a new "Ubuntu" virtual box, when you first open the virtual box, a prompt will pop up
-
Select the folder icon and find your ubuntu ISO and hit "start"
-
Follow the on-screen instructions to "install ubuntu"
-
Jump up to the "Ubuntu" section of this document and follow those rules inside the virtual box.
Ideally we won't be using this feature, but as a backup, please follow these instructions to enable it.
- Enable Bash for Windows 10 [instructions]