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% XS school server
%
%
Overview
========
The XO school Server, or XS, is one of the products of the OLPC project,
designed to complement the XO laptop. The XS is installed on x86
(Intel-compatible) computers. These could be conventional servers such
as rack-mounted computers, purpose-built low-power machines, or even
netbooks.
The OLPC XS provides additional infrastructure extending the
capabilities of the laptops. While the laptops are self-sufficient for
many learning activities, other activities and services depend on the XS
providing connectivity, shared resources and services. The XS provides
XO machines with network connectivity for backups, anti-theft leases,
web browsing, system, content updates, and asynchronous collaboration
tools such as Moodle.
Installation
============
Two installation options are available:
1) XS installation CD (recommended): download and burn a CD image, and
use the resultant CD to install the system. See details at
[http://wiki.laptop.org/go/XS\_Installing\_Software\_0.7\#Installing\_from\_CD](http://wiki.laptop.org/go/XS_Installing_Software_0.7#Installing_from_CD)
2) On top of another system (advanced): install the XS software
packages on top of an existing operating system installation. See
details at
[http://wiki.laptop.org/go/XS\_Installing\_Software\_0.7\#Installing\_on\_top\_of\_existing\_OS\_installation](http://wiki.laptop.org/go/XS_Installing_Software_0.7#Installing_on_top_of_existing_OS_installation)
The installation is fairly straight forward and requires minimal
configuration after the intial installation to the XS hard drive.
Configuration
=============
Configuring the XS involves choosing a server domain name. The hostname
is always 'schoolserver'. So, using a domain name like example.org will
give you schoolserver.example.org.
The XS has a fairly standard server-style networking setup. The XS
provides DHCP and DNS services to all the XOs connected to it via a
wireless access point. However, if the school already has its own
network running its own DHCP services, the XS networking can be modified
to work with the existing infrastructure. The XS can work with two
Ethernet cards, where one works as a WAN interface, while the other
works as the LAN interface. The XS can also work with a single Ethernet
card where it works as a LAN interface for schools without WAN
(Internet) connectivity. Optionally, such a server can provide WAN
connectivity using a USB-to-Ethernet adapter.
Services
========
Collaboration
-------------
The XS provides collaboration services across a variety of activities.
When XOs are connected to the School Server, the collaboration is
managed through the server and can be segmented by a classroom or a
group. While the user will not see anything different, the capacity of
collaboration will scale up considerably with a XS in the mix.
Caching
-------
The XS uses Squid to cache content locally. At sites where Internet
access is limited, slow or expensive, content caching helps in speeding
up acccess to content by making copies on the XS and serving these up
locally.
Backup and Restore
------------------
The XS provides seamless backup services for each registered XO. The XS
checks to see the backup status of the Journal on each XO and backs it
up incrementally. Once the backups are made, these can be used to
restore a child's work back on her XO.
Antitheft Controls
------------------
Antitheft controls lists all registered XOs in one location.
additionally, this feature offers rescue leases to laptops to
re-activate laptops in case of problems. If a laptop gets stolen, the
antitheft control feature shuts it down.
Learning Management System
--------------------------
Moodle is a Learning Management System that provides the teacher with a
way to create a course, manage assignments and administer assessment
using a web-based interface. On the XO, the Moodle LMS is accessible via
the Browse activity. Moodle features include assignment submission,
discussion forums, file downloads, grade books, instant messages,
calendars, news, announcements, quizzes and wiki.
:author:
> © Sameer Verma and George Hunt 2012
|
