You are required to document the installation of a multi-user networked operating system. The document must;

● Specify the configuration and customisation
● Show the results of testing
● include evidence of acceptance by the user
● contain basic user operating procedures​​​

1 answer

Documentation for the Installation of a Multi-User Networked Operating System

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Installation Overview
  3. Configuration and Customization
  4. Testing Results
  5. User Acceptance
  6. Basic User Operating Procedures
  7. Conclusion

1. Introduction

This document outlines the installation process of a multi-user networked operating system (OS) on a centralized server. The OS chosen for this installation is Ubuntu Server LTS, which is renowned for its stability, security, and robust community support. The system will support various users with different access levels, depending on organizational roles and responsibilities.

2. Installation Overview

Hardware Requirements:

  • CPU: Multi-core processor (min. 2 cores)
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Storage: Minimum 100 GB SSD
  • Network: Ethernet adapter (10/100/1000 Mbps)

Software Requirements:

  • Ubuntu Server LTS (latest version)
  • Samba (for file sharing)
  • OpenSSH (for remote administration)
  • Apache (for web services, optional)

Installation Steps:

  1. Download the OS Image: Obtain the latest version of Ubuntu Server from the official website.
  2. Create Bootable Media: Use tools like Rufus or Etcher to create a bootable USB drive.
  3. Boot from USB: Insert the USB into the server and boot from it.
  4. Install the OS: Follow the prompts to install Ubuntu Server:
    • Select Language
    • Configure Network Settings (static IP suggested)
    • Disk Partitioning (guided or manual)
    • Install OpenSSH server
    • Install additional software (if necessary)
  5. Create User Accounts: Set up user accounts for different users as per organization’s needs.
  6. Finalize Installation: Update the system and install necessary updates.

3. Configuration and Customization

Basic Configuration:

  • Network Configuration: Set the static IP, DNS, and gateway addresses.
  • User Roles: Establish user accounts with the following roles:
    • Admin: Full permissions
    • User: Limited permissions to specific files and folders

Customization:

  • Firewall Configuration: Use ufw (Uncomplicated Firewall) to restrict access:

    sudo ufw enable
    sudo ufw allow OpenSSH
    sudo ufw allow 'Apache Full'
    
  • File Sharing Setup (Samba):

    • Install Samba:
      sudo apt update
      sudo apt install samba
      
    • Edit /etc/samba/smb.conf to configure shared folders.
  • Backup Configuration: Set up automatic backups using rsync or specific backup software.

4. Testing Results

Test Cases Evaluated:

  1. User Login: Ensure all user accounts created are able to log in without issues.
  2. File Permissions: Validate that user permissions are enforced correctly.
  3. Network Connectivity: Check if the server communicates with other devices in the network.
  4. Backup Functionality: Confirm backups run as scheduled without errors.
  5. Samba Functionality: Test file sharing across different user accounts.

Testing Outcomes:

  • All user accounts logged in successfully.
  • Permissions enforced as expected; users were able to access only their designated files.
  • Network tests showed successful PING results to other devices.
  • Backups successfully completed without errors.
  • Samba shares were accessible and permissions were enforced correctly.

5. User Acceptance

Stakeholders conducted an acceptance testing session with the following feedback:

  • "The setup meets our needs for file sharing and user management."
  • "User permissions effectively restrict access to sensitive information."
  • "Remote access through SSH significantly enhances system management."

Signatures:

  1. ___________________ (User Name/Position)
  2. ___________________ (User Name/Position)

6. Basic User Operating Procedures

Logging In:

  1. Open SSH Client (e.g., PuTTY or command line).
  2. Enter IP address of the server and port (default 22).
  3. Enter your username and password.

Changing Password:

passwd

Follow the prompts to enter the new password.

Accessing Network Shares:

  • Access Samba shares by navigating to \\SERVER_IP\Share_Name from a Windows machine or smb://SERVER_IP/Share_Name on a Linux machine.

Performing Basic Commands:

  • To check disk space:
    df -h
    
  • To update the system:
    sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
    

7. Conclusion

The successful installation and configuration of the multi-user networked operating system provide a secure environment for user collaboration and resource sharing. Continued training and software updates will be essential to maintain a stable and effective operating environment.

Appendix


This document should be disseminated to all users who will be utilizing the system for reference and guidance. Further training sessions may be scheduled to ensure users are comfortable with the new OS and its functionalities.