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Requirements for a GBIF ...

Requirements for a GBIF Training Programme classroom

Classes of GBIF Training Programme can take place in different locations around the world.  This document describes what requirements the training facilities should have for the different courses.

1. Becoming a GBIF data provider

GBIF standards for sharing and accessing data are the DiGIR and BioCASe protocols.  Data nodes are expected to run a provider application using one of these protocols which are subjects of this course. 

This course covers: introduction to DiGIR and DarwinCore2, installation of the DiGIR provider on MS Windows platform, connection with a local and a remote database, introduction to UDDI, registration of the DiGIR provider within GBIF registry, search demonstration. Trainees will have to accomplish a number of exercises on their Windows workstations during the course.

Standard classroom for this course should have an agreed number (minimum 6) of workstations and one workstation for the tutor. One or two trainees per workstation are possible. One fundamental thing to note is that this is training about server software. In essence, computers serving data through GBIF should be accessible from the internet.  This means that also the trainee workstations should have direct access to the the internet, and it would be very much desirable if they also would be accessible from the internet during the class!  The full implications of this requirement are typically understood only by the network administrator.  Therefore, GBIF requests that the head of the system administrator of the site sends a message to helpdesk@gbif.org explaining what the network topology is.

Workstations:  Windows 2000 or Windows XP operating system, 1 gigabyte free disk space, 256 megabytes of main memory, CD-ROM reader, right to install applications or administrator access, TCP/IP connection to local area network and a domain name (see below).   The workstations should have Microsoft Powerpoint Reader and WinZip version 8 or higher.  Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access would be useful but not mandatory.

Server:  Linux (RedHat 8 or RedHat 9) operating system.  1 gigabyte free disk space, 256 megabytes of main memory, CD-ROM reader, right to install applications or root access, TCP/IP connection to local area network and a domain name (see below).  If a Linux server like this is not available then the Linux server on instructor's laptop can be used instead

Internet connection:  Minimum connection speed to the internet is 128 Kbps.  Direct access to Internet from all the computers is required on port 80.  This means access without a proxy server.  This is mandatory.  Access to the computers from the public Internet on port 80 is not mandatory, but would be useful. The workstations and the server should be connected to each other using TCP/IP.  There should be a hub or switch and minimum 6 pieces of RJ-45 cables to connect also trainee laptops to the network, or a wireless IEEE 802.11b network with spare PCMCIA cards for laptops.

Domain Name System: It is recommended that the machines have a fully qualified domain name (FQDN). If you do not have a FQDN for your machines then the IP addresses of them can be used. The IP addresses can be recognizable only within the local area network. or the network that has been established for this course.

Data projector:  At least 1000 lux and 1024*768 pixel on 2^16 colours.

Whiteboard, blackboard or similar.

Access to room should be provided in all cases at least one working day before classes start so that the instructor has enough time to test the installation. This is in case all the requirements above are fulfilled. The instructor brings all necessary software on CD. It is important that the Internet connection and FQDN are made in advance.

Refreshments:  Coffee, tea, water, and soft drinks should be available on site mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Lunch should be possible to obtain within 10 minute walking distance.