Linux installation

Before we embark on our digital odyssey, the reader is advised to install the Linux OS on their main PC as we will be using command-line instructions to communicate remotely with your Pi2 or Pi3, via Secure Shell (SSH) protocol (more on this later). You may visit the Ubuntu website: http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/install-ubuntu-desktop for tutorial/instructions, and download a free version of the OS. In addition, when installing Ubuntu, select the option that allows you to access the Windows OS as you also will eventually be using Windows apps such as win32 Disk imager, and an SD card formatter (we will discuss their download and applications later when you begin configuring your eight-node Pi2 or Pi3 super cluster).