KNOWIMS FAQ
Live CD GNU/Linux+WIMS

Q. What is KNOWIMS?
A. KNOWIMS is a bootable CD with a modified KNOPPIX GNU/Linux system plus WIMS. Insert it into your PC and make a reboot. A few minutes later, you get a running WIMS server, the same as on wims.unice.fr. It runs entirely on the CD, without touching the existing system on the PC, wether it is Linux or Windows. When you remove the CD and reboot the PC, you get it back to exactly what it was.

You can also use various available media (hard disk, usb memory stick, memory cards) to store your data, so that they will not be lost when you shut down the PC.

Q. What do I neet to run it?
A. System requirements: PC with Intel processor or compatible (i486 or later) with at least 128M of RAM and a bootable CD-ROM drive. No requirements on the existing operating system.

Q. Should I install the CD on my PC in order to use it?
A. No. In any case it cannot be installed under Windows.

Q. I like very much the math tools from the online WIMS server. Can I use them offline with the CD?
A. Yes. Pratically everything you need is there, in exactly the same way as in the online server. Just enter a keyword of what you want to do, and make a search among 'online calculators'.

Q. In school, we have practice lessons on WIMS where we are scored. With the CD, can I peek into the source of the exercises so that I can cheat in school?
A. You probably can find the source of some of your exercises on the CD. Whether this will help you cheating in school, I wish you good luck.

Q. Can I use this CD to make an installed WIMS server?
A. No, you shouldn't. Unless you are a Linux expert, and you have no data to lose on your computer and enough time to spend on making manual fixups. If you want to install a dedicated WIMS server, it is highly recommended that you get an installable version of the CD specialized for your institution. You can order such a CD from Librairie Archimèdes.

Q. I am a teacher. Do I need to be connected and have a working e-mail address in order to set up a virtual class on the CD?
A. No. WIMS on the CD is configured not to send code by email. Any class created on the localhost will be accepted.

Q. I have set up a virtual class / created an exercise, but the next time I reboot, my class / exercise has disappeared!
A. By default, your data is only stored on the system RAM. So they are gone when you shut down the computer.

In order to make your data non-volatile, you may create a persistent data space, either on a hard disk of the computer, or on some removable media like a usb memory stick. To do so, open the main menu of the desktop, and choose submenus KNOPPIX -> Configure -> Create persistent data space.

You can also buy a pre-formatted usb memory stick with a WIMS data space set up. When you boot the computer with the memory stick branched, it will be automatically recognized by the CD.

Q. I have a persistent home set up on a usb memory stick, using my office computer. Can I use it at home?
A. Yes if your home computer has a socket to accept the stick.

Q. How can I make my server visible in the network?
A. If the PC is recognized by the network's dhcp service, it will automatically be connected. Otherwise you have to declare the network coordinate of the PC. You can do it using the network configuration tool in the desktop menu.

Q. Can I use the server on CD to serve the simultaneous work of my class where there are XX students?
A. Yes if you use a PC with sufficient power. A recent one with enough memory (256MB+) should be OK in most cases.

Q. I have set up a virtual class with contents corresponding to my lesson. Can I distribute this class with the CD to my students?
A. Technically, there is no problem. If your class is set up on a usb memory stick, you can just make copies of the stick and distribute them with the CD.

There is just one point that you must take care. If you have scoring exercises and distribute them to your students, some will peek into the source and find ways to cheat. This is especially the case when your exercises have answers directly written in them.

Q. Can I insert other softwares into the CD?
A. There are possibilities but it is a highly expert operation. You probably need to contact a vendor / expert.

Q. I run into trouble using the CD. Where can I get help?
A. Post a message on the mailing list/forum, or buy service from a commercial vendor.
Other documentations: KNOPPIX howtos and WIMS help.