Shibboleth Workshop 02/04/2016

[Dean Woodbeck <>]

InCommon Shibboleth Workshop * February 4-5, 2016

MCNC * Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

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You are receiving this note because you registered for the InCommon Shibboleth Installation Workshop, February 4-5, 2016, at the MCNC offices. Here is some important information to make your experience productive and enjoyable.

We have created a wiki page that should answer most of your questions about location, parking, hotels, driving directions, and the like: https://spaces.internet2.edu/x/tgCNBQ

MCNC Building 3 / Seminar A/B + Conference Room B

3021 E Cornwallis Road

Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27709

Check-in opens at 8:00 a.m. ET both days, and the sessions will begin at 9 am. Note that we provide lunch and refreshment breaks, but we do not provide breakfast.

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Hotel Information

There are a number of hotels in the area. Two are offering conference rates - details are on the wiki page. 

Airports

RDU is nearby and at least one of the hotels offer a shuttle. Taxi service and other ground transportation are also available. In addition, driving and Parking information is on the wiki. 

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Prepare an Appropriate Virtual Machine  (VM)

*** Prepare one of these VM’s for use during the sessions. This is IMPORTANT since there is no time allocated for this step in the workshop agenda.***

VM’s are distributed prior to the workshop to maximize the time you can spend learning Shibboleth.  You will need to decide whether to install the software in a Windows or Linux VM environment and whether to host the VM on your laptop or in a virtual environment.

We recommend doing the installation on a VM on your laptop. You also have the option of deploying to a VM elsewhere, but please carefully read the caveats below.

The VMs are located in a Box folder: https://internet2.box.com/s/u5gue9vn38isb5leefzj 

Be aware that particularly the Windows file is very large and will take awhile to download.

Please note that:

• other VM environments, such as VirtualBox, have known issues with the traveling classroom environment and are generally not usable.  Ask a trainer for details if you’re curious.
  
• if using a Windows laptop, watch for security software preventing communication between your host OS and your VM
  
• before you leave your home base, make sure you have administrative access to your laptop if there’s any chance you might need it 

If you choose to use your laptop, bring a laptop with the appropriate VMWare distribution installed and tested.  If you choose to work in an existing online VM hosting environment, please have the VM running prior to your arrival.

Should you elect to deploy to a VM hosted elsewhere, you will need to be aware of firewalls, NATs, and other issues that may prevent communication with that VM from the training environment.  We have tried to ensure open egress from the classroom environment, but since our venues are graciously provided by others, we can’t make any guarantees. You will also need to gently interpret the instructions and translate them into your environment. The trainers will not have time during the sessions to help troubleshoot problems specific to your environment.

If you want to peruse the curriculum ahead of time, you’ll find links on the wiki page: https://spaces.internet2.edu/x/tgCNBQ

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Registration/Sign-In

OBTAIN YOUR NAME BADGE and other important meeting materials outside the training room, which opens at 8:00 a.m. We suggest you arrive by 8:30, to allow enough time to check in, browse the beverages, and get your laptop up and running.

CASUAL ATTIRE is suggested. All software used is thread-safe, so steel-toed boots, hard hats, and leather gloves are strictly optional.

BEVERAGES AND LUNCH: We do *not* provide breakfast in the morning, although we do endorse the concept that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. That said, coffee, tea, soft drinks and water will be available and there will be a mid-morning snack. Lunch *is* provided as part of your registration and there will be an afternoon snack break, as well.

If you have any questions about the workshop or its technical content, please send a note to .

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Dean Woodbeck

Education and Outreach Lead, InCommon

Internet2