Linux Gurus - what linux platform would be used for VLT software?
 

What linux platform do you think would be used for VLT software and the testing of VLT software?

I could use some help.

There is an opportunity for me to work within a company that makes software for VLTs and other similar platforms like arcade machines etc.

The only thing that may be a killer for me is that I have never used linux :(

What do you suggest?

I've got 4 towers not doing jack in the basement so i'm thinking of setting one up to run strictly on linux an learn about it.

taking a look on linux.org now and doing some digging but maybe someone with a bit knowledge may be able to help :)

Thanks people :thumbsup

Have you used any other form of unix?

What's VLT?

No. but this is the only problem i've got to overcome. I have downloaded Scale-RT and taken a look at that but It doesn't seem to be what i'm looking for.

A VLT is a video lottery terminal, much like video poker type slot machines etc.

I was told by my contact in the company that I will need to know how to excecute prompts using it. such as opening and closing documents, checking and moving files etc...

Much like you would with DOS. But I need to learn it using linux/unix.

May seem dumb but this is what they are using and i'm guessing it is very different to using DOS.

Would I just need to download the kernal and install it to be able to do this?

are you serious? if you are testing as a programmer, you should know this stuff like the back of your hand already, the languages used themselves will be more important than the os, and you could know any version of linux to be able to handle the basic os stuff you are talking about

many slot machines I've seen are based on windows machines as well, so it would be specific to the manufacturer I guess

Unix has a pretty steep learning curve dude.

Grab gentoo or something and install it on a box and play around with it. :2 cents:

didn't mean to sound harsh, find out which one they are using, install and play around with it..... ask them

It's a QA position and part of the job is testing the software, not programming.

There probably isn't many people where I am that actually know linux/unix well and all they want is some simple knowledge of how to use it and will provide training to a suitable person.

They must be interested to some point otherwise they wouldn't have contacted me about the position.

All i'm trying to do is give myself the best chance of getting the job and to learn more about it would be a great asset.

unix isn't that hard to learn for the simple stuff he is talking about, not like he is using it as a network admin or anything

I'll take a look thanks for your help :thumbsup

No Problem at all. I am a total newb when it comes to linux but they still want to interview me so all i'm trying to do is give myself a good chance.

I didn't realize they were looking for a QA position.

Best advice, grab a copy of gentoo and put it on one of your spare boxes. The gui is going to be somewhat similar to what you're used to, but spend a lot of time in the shell. the "man" command is going to be your best friend, and if you have any questions I'll try to help you out. Wont be around a lot tonight, going to a party here but I'll be around tomorrow.

Thanks a lot :thumbsup

UNIX is UNIX is UNIX as far as what you are talking about is concerned because you wont really even be using UNIX in any technical sense you will be using a UNIX shell, of which there are many but they all share the same basic command set

learn C Shell or Kshell those are the UNIX CLI

how is using the shell not using unix? How else do you interact with a unix box? :1orglaugh

Unix is unix, yeah. But linux and bsd and solaris etc etc all have different quirks.

Thanks for your advice :thumbsup

And yeah it should be pretty simple to learn, It's basic commands and testing. plus a few other things I could be doing (if i get the job).

I'm just trying to be sure :)

It's pretty much an entry lever position but they like to keep and train their staff so it could be a good move.

Now your confusing me :1orglaugh

I'm going to install gentoo and see how that goes, and have a good play with the prompts and learn more about it.

Thanks for your help guys :thumbsup

Gentoo would not be the best choice for someone new to Linux.

Grab Ubuntu.

Good point Justin on ubuntu.

Ubuntu is pretty user friendly. I haven't used linux since I switched to bsd back in 96.

Try out ubuntu and see if you like it :thumbsup

the shell is the UNIX CLI the only interaction he will have with UNIX is through the shell the differences are things that as a simple user he wont encounter, they all revolve more around admin stuff and UNIX internals

cd, ls grep, diff, cat, pipes, redirects, and basic interaction via the shell all works the same...yer overcomplicating it.

Guy just needs to take an intro UNIX class for users and he will know all he needs to know or I could teach him in about a day

and if you ask how else you would interact with a UNIX box you apparently have never written code for a UNIX box in C, C++ or any other language of the sort...hint those programs generally dont run in a shell.....

try www.experts-exchange.com

I was told by my contact in the company that I will need to know how to excecute prompts using it. such as opening and closing documents, checking and moving files etc...

Much like you would with DOS. But I need to learn it using linux/unix.

May seem dumb but this is what they are using and i'm guessing it is very different to using DOS.

Pay no attention to the morons suggesting whatever flavor of UNIX they like...you wont be interacting with UNIX via any "user friendly" interface like Xwindows, you will be using the CLI...or the shell...they all use the same command set and only differ in script writing aspects.

why are you suggesting that piece of shit site (unless it is your own, if so then congrats on the undeserved google love)

that site is the scourge of the internet and doesn't deserve anymore backlinks :2 cents:

Check out this one page unix/linux guide....you won't need to know much more than that...

http://www.cheat-sheets.org/saved-copy/fwunixref.pdf

Thanks for all your help guys.

I don't think ubuntu would be the best option because that would be like running windows right? all I need is the basic prompts like DOS would be.

Found a few more sites that have some good information aswell.

And that cheat sheet could be very useful useful :thumbsup

Every distribution has CLI including Ubuntu.

If you want something that starts up in CLI and is easy to install go with Slackware.

Thats it. Thanks man :thumbsup

I've just downloaded feather linux to try out aswell because that doesn't need a full set-up.

Still got 2 or 3 weeks before anything happens because people on holiday etc. so plenty of time to get some learning done.