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Overview, Introduction & Prerequisites:
This is an Introduction to the Cyber Rack we have in class.Β This page will cover a Mish-Mash of content related to what features and equipment we have on the rack, and how to use it.
Prerequisites:
No explicit prerequisite course work, Electronics, Logic, or coding knowledge is required. Come as you are. π§ Β
Topics:
Rack Overview
Network In A Box
Random OS Hacks With Old Tech
Labs
How to be Awesome
Author: Jim Burnham (with some Idea, Topic, & Lab help from AI)Β - TopClown@STEAMClown.org. License: Distributed as Open Source. I'm a huge supporter of Open Source and Creative Commons resources.Β This is another way of saying Free, Equitable and Accessible resources...Β π½οΈ π§ π° π ππ οΈ πΌοΈ - Want to Support Me on this endeavor?
Let's get started... Its going to be a wild, fun, awesome ride...
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This Module or lesson is how I teach in my class. Many of the lessons might be specific to my class, but you could probably adjust them for your class.Β I'll try to make them a neutral as I can, so they can be used in any Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or any other Engineering / Technology class.Β Let me know how I can make that better. I'll try to keep this unit current and relevant.Β Please let me know if any resource links are broken or not accessible.
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Primer: Β "Aaron, I can imagine no way in which this thing could be considered anywhere remotely close to safe. All I know is I spent six hours in there and I'm still alive... You still want to do it?"
As with any activity, please make sure you are using appropriate safety equipment. Β If you are coding, writing, reading, or working a lab, make sure you stand up and stretch every hour or so,Β Please consider any safety issues connecting to a Raspberry Pi, Arduino, computers and other electronic equipment.
How fun is it to get old Tech working?
Cybersecurity
White Hat Hacker
Networking?
This is a text book you will be using .....
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Raspberry Pi Firewall and Intrusion Detection System - LAB #1 - π οΈ LAB Activity
11 Raspberry Pi Cybersecurity Projects to Enhance Your Resume and (Finally) Land that Job - LAB #2 - π οΈ LAB Activity
Turn your Raspberry Pi 5 into a Cybersecurity Gadget - LAB #3 - π οΈ LAB Activity
Cyber Security and PotLuck: Building Your Own Raspberry Pi Cyber Sentinel: A Step-by-Step Recipe - LAB #4 - π οΈ LAB Activity
Create a Cybersecurity Homelab on a Raspberry Pi! - Crash Course 2022 - LAB #5 - π οΈ LAB Activity
Turn your Raspberry Pi 5 into a Cybersecurity Gadget - LAB #3 - π οΈ LAB Activity
Turn your Raspberry Pi 5 into a Cybersecurity Gadget - LAB #3 - π οΈ LAB Activity
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How to Build a NAS with Raspberry Pi 5: Step-by-Step Guide - π Lesson Tutorial
How to build a Raspberry Pi NAS - Raspberry PiΒ - π Lesson Tutorial
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Mechatronics - <topic> - LAB #3 - π οΈ LAB Activity
This Lesson/Lab is about setting ro Resetting the Archer AX55 TP Link WiFI Routher that is part of the CyberRackΒ
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Reset and Quick Start Guide
Quick Start Guide <-- Local Google Site Link - Official Link on the Archer Site --> Support Docs
User Manuel <-- Local Google Site Link - Official Link on the Archer Site --> Support Docs
Instructions On Resetting / Configuring This Router - LAB #1 - π οΈ LAB Activity (Typically we will not do this)Β
Follow the power on instructions found in theΒ User ManuelΒ
Β If you can connect to the hardwired network, and your router is connected to the internet, then run ifconfig or ipconfig in a console command prompt window.
Get your router's IP address.Β it probably is something like 192.168.0.1
At this point, if you can't log in, you will need to reset the router
Open a Browser (Chrome) and go to your Router's IP address - Probably 192.168.0.1
After a few minutes, it opened a dialog to reset your router.
Set a new password, and router name
Router Network name is "Eye_Of_Sauron" -- Admin Password is "Hotwend(spacial)+HOBIT" - Ask Mr Burnham
Click next and walk through the steps
Eventually you will be asked to re-log in with the new password
Β Setup Guest Network
Visit http://tplinkwifi.net , and create a login passwordΒ
Mechatronics - <topic> - LAB #3 - π οΈ LAB Activity
Admin Password is "Hotwend(Special)+HOBBIT2"
This Lesson/Lab is about setting ro Resetting the Archer AX55 TP Link WiFI Routher that is part of the CyberRackΒ
Mechatronics - <topic> - π Lesson Tutorial
Mechatronics - <topic> - π½οΈ Video / Podcast
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Reset and Quick Start Guide
Netgear R4500 β N900 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router web site
Archer AX Docs & Software
Quick Start Guide <-- Local Google Site Link - Official Link on the Netgear --> Support Docs
User Manuel <-- Local Google Site Link - Official Link on the Netgear Site --> Support Docs
Instructions On Resetting / Configuring This Router - LABΒ - π οΈ LAB Activity (Typically we will not do this)Β
Follow the power on instructions found in theΒ User ManuelΒ
If you can connect to the hardwired network, and your router is connected to the internet, then run ifconfig or ipconfig in a console command prompt window.
Get your router's IP address.Β it probably is something like 192.168.0.1
At this point, if you can't log in, you will need to reset the router
Open a Browser (Chrome) and go to your Router's IP address - Probably 192.168.0.1
After a few minutes, it opened a dialog to reset your router.
Set a new password, and router name
Router Network name is "Black-Gate" -- Admin Password is "Hotwend(spacial)+HOBIT" - Ask Mr Burnham
Click next and walk through the steps
Eventually you will be asked to re-log in with the new password
Β Setup Guest Network
Visit <find Link> , and create a login password (protected by the castle of Durthang to the west)
Mechatronics - <topic> - LAB #3 - π οΈ LAB Activity
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2024-2025 Robot Club TeamΒ - π Blog / Tutorial
2023-2024 Robot Club TeamΒ - π Blog / Tutorial
2022-2023 Robot Club TeamΒ - π Blog / Tutorial
https://hub.digi.com/support/products/infrastructure-management/digi-passport/
Setting up an Internet WiFi hot spot - Research...
Software Roundup: 4 Apps That Turn Your Windows PC into a WiFi Hotspot -Β https://www.maketecheasier.com/apps-turn-windows-wifi-hotspot/
Create a Wi-Fi hotspot in less than 10 minutes with Pi Raspberry! - https://howtoraspberrypi.com/create-a-wi-fi-hotspot-in-less-than-10-minutes-with-pi-raspberry/
Goal: Install Linux on an HP Pro Tablet 10 EE G1Β
ChatGPT recomends Debian 12 XFCE.Β I looked around and this seems right.Β it's lite weight, and still supported.
ChatGPT:
For your classroom useβconnecting to Arduino- and Raspberry Pi-based robots over Wi-Fi and BluetoothβI would rank the distributions differently than I would for general desktop use.
This would be my first choice.
Advantages:
Excellent stability for classroom environments.
Very well supported by robotics software.
The same family as the operating system used on the Raspberry Pi, making the experience more consistent.
Easy to install:
Python 3
Git
VS Code
Bluetooth tools
Wi-Fi networking tools
SSH
MQTT
ROS 2 (with some configuration)
Long support lifetime.
Good for:
Arduino programming
Raspberry Pi development
SSH into robots
Bluetooth communication
Wi-Fi networking
Python robotics
MX Linux is exceptionally well suited for older hardware.
Advantages:
Very fast on 2 GB RAM.
Excellent hardware detection.
Good Bluetooth support.
Helpful GUI tools for system management.
Easy to recover if students accidentally change settings.
Many people use MX Linux to revive Atom-based tablets.
Advantages:
Modern interface.
Lightweight.
Ubuntu ecosystem means lots of tutorials.
Disadvantages:
Uses a bit more RAM than MX Linux.
Newer packages occasionally introduce changes that can affect classroom consistency.
Mint is excellent, but I'd avoid it on 2 GB RAM because it uses a bit more memory than Debian XFCE or MX Linux.
All of these distributions support:
Bluetooth Classic (HC-05, HC-06 modules)
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), provided the tablet's hardware supports it
Wi-Fi networking
SSH
VNC
Remote desktop
Based on what I know about your curriculumβArduino, Raspberry Pi 5, Python, Linux, networking, and autonomous roversβI would choose:
Rank
Distribution
Classroom Rating
π₯
Debian 12 XFCE
10/10
π₯
MX Linux
9.8/10
π₯
Lubuntu
9.2/10
4
Linux Mint XFCE
8.8/10
The bigger concern isn't the distributionβit's the tablet's hardware. The HP Pro Tablet 10 EE G1 has an Intel Atom processor, 2 GB RAM, and 32 GB of storage, which will limit performance regardless of the Linux distribution.
If your goal is to give each student a lightweight terminal for robotics, these tablets can still work well for:
Programming Arduino boards.
Connecting to Raspberry Pi robots over SSH.
Running Python scripts.
Viewing robot telemetry.
Editing code in a lightweight editor.
Using web-based tools and documentation.
I would not expect them to perform well for:
Running full desktop simulations.
Computer vision or AI inference.
Running heavy ROS 2 visualization tools like RViz.
Multiple large applications at the same time.
For your specific robotics curriculum, I would install Debian 12 XFCE and standardize all of the tablets with the same software image. That will make classroom management, troubleshooting, and student support much easier while keeping the environment closely aligned with Raspberry Pi systems.
Yes, you can install Linux on an HP Pro Tablet 10 EE G1, but there are several hardware limitations you should know before erasing Windows.
Your tablet has:
Intel Atom Z3735F (64-bit CPU)
2 GB RAM
32 GB eMMC storage
UEFI firmware (many Atom tablets use 32-bit UEFI, even with a 64-bit CPU)
Touchscreen, cameras, sensors, and audio that may require additional configuration.
For this hardware I recommend:
Debian 12 XFCE (best balance)
Lubuntu 24.04 LTS
Linux Mint XFCE
MX Linux
Avoid GNOME or KDE because 2 GB of RAM will make them sluggish.
You'll need:
8 GB or larger USB flash drive
USB OTG adapter
USB keyboard (strongly recommended)
USB hub (optional but helpful)
Internet connection
Back up anything you want to keep because this process erases the tablet.
Download one of these ISOs.
Example:
Debian XFCE
Lubuntu 24.04 LTS
Use software such as:
Rufus (Windows)
Balena Etcher
Ventoy
Use:
GPT partition scheme
UEFI boot
Power off the tablet.
Power it on.
When the HP logo appears:
Hold Volume Down (or press Esc if using an external keyboard).
The HP Startup Menu appears. From there you can access F9 Boot Options or F10 BIOS Setup.
Inside BIOS:
Disable Secure Boot
Enable USB Boot
Save and Exit
Some tablets also require Fast Boot to be disabled.
Insert the USB drive.
Choose:
F9 β USB Device
If the USB does not appear:
This is usually because the tablet uses 32-bit UEFI firmware. A standard Linux installer may not boot until a 32-bit EFI bootloader (bootia32.efi) is added to the USB. This is a common issue on Bay Trail Atom tablets.
Do not install yet.
Verify:
Touchscreen
Wi-Fi
Sound
Battery
USB
Screen rotation
If something important doesn't work, try another distribution before installing.
Choose:
Erase Disk
Use the entire eMMC drive.
Timezone:
United States
Create:
username
password
Wait for installation.
Remove the USB drive.
Restart.
If Linux doesn't boot but installation completed successfully, the problem is often the EFI bootloader on Bay Trail devices. You may need to repair or reinstall GRUB from the live USB.
No USB boot option
Recreate the USB.
Disable Secure Boot.
Verify the USB supports UEFI.
Installer boots but won't install
Often caused by the 32-bit UEFI firmware needing bootia32.efi.
No sound
Some Atom tablets require additional Linux firmware packages.
Touchscreen rotated
Can usually be corrected after installation.
For your HP Pro Tablet 10 EE G1, I recommend Debian 12 XFCE. It is lightweight, stable, and has one of the best chances of working well on older Atom hardware.
If you'd like, I can also provide a 2026-specific guide for this exact HP tablet that includes:
creating a USB that boots on its 32-bit UEFI firmware,
adding the required bootia32.efi file,
BIOS settings,
post-install fixes for Wi-Fi, sound, touchscreen, and screen rotation. That guide is specific to this model and avoids the common installation pitfalls.
Google Gemini said:
Yes, Debian 12 XFCE is a solid choice, but due to your tablet's strict limitations, a barebones CLI (Command Line Interface) install without any desktop environment is the best path forward. [1]
Your Hardware Context
The HP Pro Tablet 10 EE G1 runs on an Intel Atom Z3735F processor and features only 1GB to 2GB of RAM. It also uses an older Broadcom Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chip that frequently requires proprietary firmware to function properly on Linux. [1]
Weighing Your Options
Option [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]
Pros
Cons / Risks
Debian 12 + XFCE
Provides a familiar, graphical windowed environment for simple mouse and touch navigation.
XFCE will idle around 600-800MB of RAM, consuming a large chunk of your available 2GB, which may result in lagging.
Debian 12 (Command Line Only)
Blazing fast, idles under 150MB of RAM, perfect for SSH and terminal tasks.
Zero graphical interface. You will need to rely entirely on the keyboard, making touch usage impossible.
AntiX Linux
Specifically built for ultra-low-spec hardware. Idles as low as 200MB using minimal window managers.
Higher learning curve because it doesn't use a standard Windows-like desktop.
Bodhi Linux
Uses the extremely minimal Moksha desktop, making it great for touch-screen 2GB RAM devices.
It requires some hands-on customization.
Why We Suggest a Leaner Approach
The "gotcha" on this specific tablet is the 1GBβ2GB of RAM. While XFCE is considered lightweight compared to GNOME or KDE, it still eats up a heavy portion of your hardware resources, and it doesn't offer very good native touch-screen optimization. [1, 2, 3]
Best Actionable First Step
If you want to use the GUI, try a live USB with XFCE first to see if your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth work out of the box. [1]
If you prefer a pure, uninhibited lightweight environment aimed strictly at SSH, download the Debian Network Install ISO, but skip the "Desktop Environment" step during setup. [1, 2]
Here are the steps to create a bootable Live USB to test Debian on your tablet.
Prerequisites
A USB Flash Drive (8GB or larger, all data will be erased).
A working computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux) to build the USB.
A USB OTG cable or Hub (Since your tablet has micro-USB/Type-A ports, you will need this to connect the USB drive and a keyboard/mouse). [1, 2, 3, 4]
Step 1: Download the Correct Debian Live ISO
For your hardware, you need an image that includes non-free firmware drivers (crucial for your Broadcom Wi-Fi chip).
Go to the official Debian Live Images page.
Look for the file ending in -xfce.iso (e.g., debian-live-12.x.x-amd64-xfce.iso).
Download it to your computer. [1]
Step 2: Download the Flashing Tool
Download Rufus (for Windows) or BalenaEtcher (for Mac/Linux/Windows). Rufus is highly recommended for this specific tablet.
Step 3: Flash the USB Drive
Insert your USB flash drive into your computer.
Open Rufus.
Under Device, select your USB drive.
Under Boot selection, click SELECT and choose the downloaded Debian ISO file.
Crucial Step for Intel Atom Tablets: Under Partition scheme, select GPT. Under Target system, select UEFI (non CSM).
Click START. If prompted to write in "ISO Image mode" or "DD Image mode", choose DD Image mode (this ensures better compatibility with tablet bootloaders).
Step 4: Boot the USB on your HP Tablet
Power off your HP Pro Tablet completely.
Connect your USB OTG Hub to the tablet. Plug your Live USB, a USB Keyboard, and a USB Mouse into the hub (touchscreens rarely work in the boot menu).
Hold down the Volume Down button and the Power button simultaneously.
Release them when the HP logo appears to enter the Startup Menu.
Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to select Boot Options (usually F9).
Select your USB Flash Drive from the UEFI boot list and press Enter.
Select Live System from the Debian boot menu. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Once you get into the live desktop, check your Wi-Fi settings. If you run into issues, let me know:
Did the tablet successfully recognize the USB in the boot menu?
Is the Wi-Fi icon visible and showing local networks, or is it completely missing?
I can help you troubleshoot any missing firmware or 32-bit/64-bit bootloader quirks!
xxx
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If you are a teacher and want to connect and teach this Lesson or Module, discuss how I teach it, give me feedback, please contact me at TopClown@STEAMClown.orgΒ
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Iβll work on getting these in, but itβs the last thing I want to work on :-) When I have them updated, Iβll move to the top of the Lesson Plan.Β
NGSS: <list standard numbers>
California CTE Standards: <list standard numbers>
Related Instructional Objectives (SWBAT):Β <list standard numbers>
CCSS: nnn, RSIT: nnn, RLST: nnn, WS: nnn, WHSST: nnn, A-CED: nnn, ETS: nnnΒ <list standard numbers>
Main Standard:
Priority standards:
National Standards:
Reference Text Book - Basic College Mathematics with Early Integers 4th edition - Elayn Martin-Gay - University of New Orleans - Pearson
Reference Sites -Β
https://imgbin.com/png/ZJtzkYZZ/under-construction-png
Key: π° Slides / Audio π§ / π½οΈβΆοΈ Video/YouTube / π§βΆοΈπ½οΈ Audio/Video / β¨ Resources /Β πΌοΈ Tutorial / π Reading Activity / π Writing Activity / π π Reading/Writing / π Coding / π οΈ LAB Activity / π Quiz /Β π Review /Β βοΈ Mastery Check / βοΈ Sign Up /π Extra Credit / πΈοΈ Web Links / π©π½βππ§π½βππ§πΏβππ©βπ« Class / π΅οΈππ Certificate / ποΈ π Collecting Survey Data
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Assignment Type: β Establishing (Minimum Standard) / βοΈ Developing (Digging Deeper) / π Aspiring (Putting It Together)
This is an β Establishing Assignment (Minimum Standard)Β - "Everyone Do" Assignment
This is an βοΈ Developing (Digging Deeper) - "Everyone Should Do, To Stretch" Assignment
This is an π Aspiring (Putting It Together)Β - "When you have done the β Establishing andβοΈ Developing" Assignment
π«πFormative Quiz - π Review
π Formative Quiz - π Review
1οΈβ£ Quiz -π Mastery Path
1οΈβ£π Summative Quiz -βοΈ Skills Mastery Check
Quiz - verify that they are all listed as a "Formative", "Mastery Path", or "Summative"Β
π Formative Quiz - These are quizzes that the students can take a few times. I have them either set for unlimited times, or 3-5 times, where the final score is their average. The idea is that these Formative Quizzes are designed for students to learn and master a skill.Β while I want them to ger 100%, and when it's set to unlimited tries, the student should get 100% eventually.Β When the quiz is set to 3-5 tries with an average, then they should be prepared and should take the quiz seriously. I set the quiz to not show the right answer, but I do let them see their wrong answer.Β I also put the explanation of the right and wrong answer in the right and wrong answer prompt for each question.Β That way they can see why they got the answer wrong and learn from that experience.Β Β
8.1.0.3.2.4 - Python - Ch 3 - Functions - Quiz #2 -Built-In Functions - π Formative Quiz
π Quiz -π Mastery Path - These Mastery path quizzes are to be presented after the student has had a chance to do some labs and some Formative quizzes. Β The goal is to let students have 2 chances to take this quiz, and take the average of the 2 attempts.Β Based on the average, they will be presented with a Canvas Mastery Path, where they will have an option for take additional quiz and assignments to help with remediation.Β This will get them ready to take the Summative Quizzes.
8.1.0.3.3.1 -Β Python - Ch 3 - Functions - Mastery Quiz #1 - π Quiz -π Mastery Path
π Summative Quiz -βοΈ Skills Mastery Check - These Mastery path quizzes are to be presented after the student has had a chance to do some labs and some Formative quizzes. Β The goal is to let students have 2 chances to take this quiz, and take the average of the 2 attempts. That will be their final module/subject topic grade.
8.1.0.3.3.1 -Β Python - Ch 3 - Functions - Skills Mastery Check Quiz #1 - π Summative Quiz -βοΈ Skills Mastery Check