Make sure you install the latest version of Java on your computer.
The Chrome browser is weird as it doesn't support the NPAPI (Netscape Plugin Application Programming Interface, which allows plug-ins for web browsers) anymore for security reasons. Click on 'continue' when it asks about Java. Chrome does work, you just need to launch the downloaded jnlp file and follow the prompts.
If you use the Firefox browser, you might get a security warning. That security warning is okay to accept. There is something with the certificate that is causing this issue.
This site video shows how to quickly use the NetLab+ equipment.
Before we can use Linux we need to install Linux. VirtualBox or VMWare will allow us to run Linux as a virtual machine. This is great as it means we do not have to have another computer to run Linux.
Here are some software that I suggest you download for this course as the best way to get familiar and learn Linux is by using it! Both the downloads for CentOS and Mint below are for 64 bit systems. If you have purchased your computer in the last 3-4 years it should be a 64 bit system. If you are using an older system you'll want to double check and see if it is a 64 bit system. If you do not have a 64 bit system you'll want to find the 32 bit versions, and it might be more challenging as 32 bit systems are not being supported as frequently.
Unsure if you have a 64-bit or 32-bit CPU? How to determine if you have a 64-bit or 32-bit CPU
Please make sure to install Linux as a Virtual Machine.
There are many different types of of Linux distributions. We will learn about what a distribution is, but I've provided you with two of the most common types of distributions to download above. CentOS is based more on the RedHat way of doing this and Mint is based off the Debian way of doing things. I suggest you download and install both distributions, you'll be able to see which one you like better and what one fits your needs.
The reason we are using CentOS and Mint is they are great distributions to learn on.
These videos show how to install Linux using VirtualBox. The process will be very similar with VMware.
Instructions for installing CentOS on VirtualBox
Instructions for installing Mint on VirtualBox
Original webpage by Petersen Gross, modified by William Albritton.