Installing Ubuntu Desktop GUI on Pega 7 Exercise System

The Pega 7.1.6 Exercise System from Pega Academy runs on a virtual machine that uses the Ubuntu operating system. The virtual machine can be accessed through a command line interface that is provided by a virtual machine player such as VMWare Workstation Player or Oracle VM VirtualBox.

• This post shows how a desktop GUI can be installed on the Ubuntu virtual machine.
• Here, the Pega 7.1.6 (SAE1_716_VM_20160708) Exercise System is running on Oracle VM OpenBox.
• For the Pega 7.1.6 Exercise System setup used here, see How to Run Pega 7 Exercise System on Mac with Oracle VM VirtualBox

1. Updating the Ubuntu APT Package Information Cache on the Pega 7 Virtual Machine
2. Installing the Ubuntu Desktop GUI on the Pega 7 Virtual Machine

• Accessing Pega 7 Tomcat Manager Applicatione for Personal Virtual Server Installations
• FTP Connect to Pega 7 System for Personal Virtual Server Installations
• Connect to Pega 7 PostgreSQL Database with pgAdmin for Personal Virtual Server Installations

• Before installing the Ubuntu Desktop GUI, it is necessary to update the APT package information cache.
• The APT update will not break the currently installed Pega 7.1.6 Exercise System.
• Login to the virtual machine of the Pega 7.1.6 Exercise System using root and password.
• The Pega 7.1.6 Exercise System, (build SAE1_716_VM_20160708), uses Ubuntu 12.04.1.

• Use the Advanced Packet Tool (APT) and execute the below command to download the latest package information from all servers:

sudo apt-get update

• This process may take a few minutes, depending on the Internet connection speed.

• After updating the package information cache, execute the below command to open the Ubunto Software Package Installation Utility:

sudo tasksel

• The utility lists currently installed software packages and all available software packages for download.
• For example, in the screen shot, the PostgreSQL database package is currently installed as it is part of the Pega 7.1.6 Exercise System.

• Use the arrow keys to move up and down the list of software packages.
• Select the package Ubuntu Desktop by pressing the Space key.

• Use the Tab key to navigate to the OK button at the bottom of the utility and hit Enter.

• The package installer will show a progress bar. The whole installation process may take a while, depending on the Internet connection speed.

• Once the installation is completed, the installation utility will be closed and control is returned to the command line. Reboot the Ubuntu OS to apply the changes.

sudo reboot

• The virtual machine be restarted and when Ubuntu is launched, the Desktop GUI is launched by default instead of the command line interface.

• Ubuntu has the Firefox browser installed and it can be used to access the local Pega 7.1.6 Exercise System.