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Using AMC with a Windows(r) PC

Main idea

AMC is not available for Windows(r) users. Using our tool with this OS could be usefull, either to discover or test AMC easilly, or to use it when OS is not choosen by user! Here are solutions:
  • Using a "bootable" USB key (or disk).
  • Virtualize a Linux distribution including AMC installation.
  • Install a Linux distribution with a dual boot instead of the single Windows installation. This is (not the simpliest, but) the best solution for a intensive use of AMC (others are slower, see comments on the forum).

Let's get some details about two first solutions.

Solution 1: USB bootable disk or key

This solution is not the simpliest one, but once your key is prepared, it is usable with any USB-bootable PC. And if your key/disk is fast enough, it seems to be faster than the virtualization.

AMC is available on different Ubuntu versions.
Therefore, it is possible to create a "live USB key" (in RAM, no hard disk installation) including AMC. Lubuntu is perfect for this, because it is lightweight and it permits a classic interface for Windows users.

A ready-to-install example (for a 4GB or more USB key)

Such a key is downloadable here:http://files.auto-multiple-choice.net/17/customLubuntu1304.partimage.000 (about 2,5GB should be long!)

/!\ SORRY, BUT IT IS ONLY A FRENCH VERSION /!\ But it is quite easy to select your own language to change this whith usual menu...

It uses a "persistant mode", so your datas are saved on key when you shut down your PC. You won't find there the latest version of AMC, but it could be usefull or it could be an example to discover what is possible.

How-to build your own key

A Linux-PC is used during installation.
  • Download this image file
  • If possible, verify is md5 sum : 
     md5sum customLubuntu1304.partimage.000 | grep f4d89cab16ff9ea91851699b936ca74d

    sould show the you name and footprint of the file.
  • Get an empty key with 4GB or more space. If possible, get a fast one.

Be carefull, it is now necessary to understand what you do: you could erase your whole hard disk!
Read all instructions before doing anything...

  • With Partimage software (launched from bash), copy this image to USB key. It will create or fill a 4GB partition.
  • With Gparted software, get this partition "bootable" (add the "boot" flag).
  • (It is possible to enlarge this partition with Gparted, or to add an other partition, if your key is gets more than 4GB free space).
  • U(n)mount your key: it is now ready to boot any recent PC (if necessary, modify BIOS options)

Persistant mode allows you new software installation (with standard tools like synaptic). Then, you can add your own langage or keyboard settings. But mind free space is not so large...

Tips for use

When booting, you get a choice between:
  • launching this custom distribution whithout installation (default) and
  • Installing standard Lubuntu on PC.

With default choice, graphic interface is classic and should not disturb any user. AMC is already installed, so is TeXmaker (and even LibreOffice with Dmaths add-on). It generaly works slower than a real intallation, espacially on slow keys or when RAM lacks.

One can add a printer, when one work in a stable environnement. But an other simple solution is to "print a PDF file" with pseudo-printer available. Then, one can copy this file on an other key (see in file browser, keep in mind to u(m)ount it before unplugging), or send it by mail or in the cloud via a web page.

Some LaTeX packages could be missing, and an error would occur if your document uses them. They can be added like on a normal Ubuntu/Linux distribution.

Solution 2: virtualization

This solution is simple to install and to use. But it seems to be quite slow, so keep it in mind for big projects. In addition, you have to install it on each machine you use.

You may have a look here to discover what it looks like before installation...

Virtualbox

You first need to install this software, used to emulate others OS within Windows (or other OS): your machine is called host system and the emulated system is the client one. Get it here for installation.

Virtual distribution

Then you can install any GNU/Linux distribution "inside Virtualbox" and add AMC. Or simply download this "ready-to-import file": (Update : http://sesaprof.sesamath.net/doc/amc/AMC_XFCE_Mint18-64bits.vdi is a more recent image based on Mint XFCE, the documentation will be updated soon) called AMCbuntu specialy prepared for you ;-) ! A double-clic should launch Virtualbox in order to import this system. Then, you can even choose to have a direct access to AMCbuntu with an icon on Desktop.

AMCbuntu is based on a custum Lubuntu14.10 (AMC, TexMaker, LibreOffice included...)

For details about AMCbuntu use, see Virtualbox site and other files here (specific for AMCbuntu). Don't forget the AMC forum to share about it...