Summary:
This semester has consisted of experimenting with different distributions of Linux and learning more about Linux systems in general. This summer I build a computer using an AMD 64 bit processor. To utilize its processing power, I wanted to install a 64-bit version of the operating system I chose to install. I first tried the 64-bit version of Fedora Core 3. I ran into a problem during the install and a blue screen of death appeared. I tried burning multiple images, but still had no luck. I then tried the 64-bit version of Ubunto, where I also ran into trouble. The only thing that appeared on the screen during the installation was “we,” so I once again had to find another version. I finally ended up using the 64-bit version of Fedora Core 2, which was a very easy install. I found the driver for my graphics card, and I'm currently trying to get the driver for my sound card. Aside from working on my own computer, my contribution for COSI included going to the first lab build of this semester, as well as going to the open house for accepted students which took place in late spring.  

	For my participation in COSI, I decided I wanted to become more knowledgeable with regards to Linux, so I am reviewing Linux tutorials. I am now finished reviewing a general Linux tutorial, which can be found at: http://www.linux-tutorial.info/modules.php?name=Tutorial&pageid=224. This tutorial was very helpful, being that I am still relatively new to the Linux community. It started off with the very basics, like simply running the OS, and then moved on to topics such as file management and administrative tools.  One of the things I learned was how to mount my second storage hard drive, so I could access my backup and music files.  The tutorial had a few nice animated sections, and explained my areas of interest well.  The only aspect of this tutorial that I did not like was that each section wasn't on a single page.  In order to view an entire section, one had to keep loading new pages in order for the next small area to be displayed.  Other than that, the tutorial was very informative.  The other tutorial that I read this semester explained how to use RAID in Linux, and can be found at: http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/tutorials/. My computer runs two SATA (Serial ATA) hard drives which are capable of performing in RAID mode, and my motherboard has the drivers to do so. I found this particularly interesting because I read the manual that came with my motherboard on how to use the RAID device in Windows, so seeing how to run this in Linux was interesting.  The only difference between setting up a RAID device in Linux rather than Windows is that the command prompt is used more, where in Windows it is more of a graphical installation.  The tutorial described the various RAID modes, and then had step by step instructions on how to implement each type of file system.  I would like to possibly try this someday either in Windows or Linux if I have some extra hard drives.

	Being that I am studying computer engineering, I have had relatively little programming experiance.  Hopefully next semester I will be able to find an interesting project that would apply to my computer skills.