Developer Test

Overview

Developers at OSE use a diverse set of free and open-source tools for communication, design, and cloud documentation. OSE has the greatest respect for education and experience, but is more task oriented in its developer test. This means that credentials are neither necessary nor sufficient. If someone has a credential but cannot perform OSE tasks, that credential is not sufficient itself. And if someone can perform OSE tasks but does not have a credential, that credential is not necessary. The test of whether or not applicants can use Linux, design something in CAD, and document their work is to do just that: use Linux, design something in CAD, and document their work. In other words, the test is self-verifying.

The test has three main components:

1. Part 1: Install OSE Linux: The applicant downloads and installs OSE Linux, which includes FreeCAD, Kdenlive, Chromium, and Vokoscreen software (the main programs used for the test).
2. Part 2: Design a cube in FreeCAD: The applicant downloads and uses library parts in FreeCAD; rotates, moves, and aligns objects in 3D; uses the Sketcher in FreeCAD to make features on faces; uses circular assembly constraints; and installs a bolt.
3. Part 3: Documentation: The applicant uses Vokoscreen to record instructional screen-casts of the CAD work; uses KdenLive to edit a video, adding images and sound; uploads videos to YouTube; makes a wiki page; uploads FreeCAD source files to the wiki; embeds the video in the wiki; and uses Disqus to upvote comments.

Part 1: Install OSE Linux

OSE Linux is a freely downloadable operating system that contains all software that is used regularly at OSE. It is run as a Live USB without the user having to modify or upset their usual operating system in any way whatsoever. This addresses dozens of hours that it would potentially take to download and configure all the software and libraries in common use by OSE. Instead, a single install, taking under half hour of dedicated user time after download, is sufficient to download the entire operating system. It is a good practice for OSE Developers to download and use the system to avoid software malfunction, improper settings, and the lost time it takes to download or install various software, extensions, workbenches and browser plugins, etc. OSE uses only open source software to produce all of its work product to facilitate interoperability with a large global team of developers. OSE Linux can be used by downloading the ISO, and creating a bootable USB stick or DVD. Instead of using one's regular operating system, one can choose - upon startup - to run the OSE Linux operating system from a USB stick, DVD, etc.

1. Download and install the OSE Linux on a USB stick so you can run it in Live USB mode. (OSE Linux includes all the programs for the test: FreeCAD, Kdenlive, Chromium, and Vokoscreen software.)

Part 2: Design a Cube in FreeCAD

FreeCAD is a free and opensource program for designing structures, parts, and machines, and is mostly used in architectural and mechanical engineering contexts. OSE uses FreeCAD both for its mechanical design work for the Global Village Construction Set, and for its project to turn designs into education documents.

1. Review FreeCAD 101. (Once you learn how to do the following, you will video yourself doing it.)
2. Download 8-hole square tubing (without rounded corners) from the OSE Part Library.
3. In FreeCAD use the tubing to create an x-y-z bolted corner cube.
4. When you are done building the cube, create a 1" bolt and nut using the Bolt Library in FreeCAD.
5. Insert one bolt through any of the corners, as if you were actually building the cube - using the Assembly Workbench in FreeCAD.
6. Tighten the bolt with the nut (just insert the nut onto the bolt).
7. Now take any face on the tubing of the resulting cube - and using Sketcher on that particular face - write your initials on that face. Pocket those initials so that they are cut into the face.

Part 3: Documentation

1. Review Wiki 101
2. Make a Work Log.
3. Record a video of you building the cube, from the beginning, using Vokoscreen.
4. Speed up the file to turn it into a 30 second video using Kdenlive.
5. Add Pling by Jaspertine from the Open Source Soundtracks
6. Upload the video to YouTube and embed in the section below - above the Disqus section.
7. Upload the FreeCAD file to your Work Log.
8. Use Disqus below to tell us how long it took you to learn the FreeCAD tutorials and Kdenlive. Please include any suggestions on the videos. Also, please score yourself 0-100 based on the percentage of the Test points that you have completed successfully - and include that score in your Disqus comment.

Completion

When you have completed these tasks, email HR to notify them of your completion. Welcome to the Team, Ms/r. Opensourcer. You now have the basic skills to manipulate objects in 3D and to begin composing useful parts - including your ability to document your work with videos.