LOUD (LCSEE Optimized Ubuntu Distribution) is a modified version of the Ubuntu operating system, used within West Virginia University's computer science department. In addition to the standard Ubuntu packages, the department also maintains several packages containing software and scripts for use in the department's classes.
LOUD also utilizes its own WVU-branded GNOME theme, wallpapers, and login manager.
History
LOUD started after a decision was made to give the LCSEE public and teaching computer labs an easily maintained standard development environment. The obvious choice for such an endeavor was to make the platform Linux based. This is because Linux is completely open source and totally customizable.
The first distribution of LOUD was called LOUD Version I Fully Automated Install (FAI). FAI was based on Debian and could be installed via imaging remotely that included software that met most class’s development needs. The next distribution was called Version II Hoary-LOUD. Hoary-LOUD was based on Hoary Hedgehog from the up and coming Linux distribution, Ubuntu. “Ubuntu is a predominantly desktop-oriented Linux distribution, based on Debian GNU/Linux but with a stronger focus on usability, regular releases, and ease of installation.”[1] Ubuntu was primarily chosen because of its packaging system and emphasis on usability.[citation needed]
After Hoary-LOUD, LCSEE started trying to build and release LOUD regularly with distribution releases of Ubuntu. They adopted the policy of releasing LOUD versions that are based on Ubuntu distributions with Long Term Support (LTS). Since Hoary the naming scheme has changed and been finalized. There have been three releases since Hoary. Version III L-Dapper (based on Ubuntu’s release of Dapper Drake) and Version IV L-Fiesty (based on Ubuntu’s release of Fiesty Fawn). The LOUD Platform Project completed version V, L-Gutsy, and the LCSEE Systems Staff is currently working on version VI, L-Hardy.
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