student@ubuntu:~$
Guide All

Submitting Linux Labs

How to capture terminal output and create the PDF you submit

Linux labs are submitted as a PDF of your terminal work. This page shows you how to capture output and build that PDF.

The short version

  1. Work through the lab in your terminal
  2. Copy each command and its output into a text file or Google Doc
  3. Include the question number and text before each answer
  4. Export/save as PDF
  5. Push the PDF to your GitHub repo

Step 1: Capture terminal output

As you work, select the command and its output in your terminal and copy it.

Mac Terminal / iTerm2: Select text, then Cmd+C.

Windows Terminal / PowerShell SSH: Select text, then Ctrl+C (or right-click → Copy).

PuTTY: Select text (it copies automatically on select).

Paste into your document immediately after the question text. Do not wait until the end — you will forget which output goes with which question.

Step 2: Format your document

Use any text editor or word processor. The format is:

Question 1: (2 pts) Capture the results of the uname -a command.

$ uname -a
Linux ewu-server 5.15.0-91-generic #101-Ubuntu SMP x86_64 GNU/Linux

Rules:

  • Copy the question text before your answer
  • Show the command you ran (prefix with $)
  • Show the full output
  • For explanation questions, write your answer in plain text below the output

Step 3: Create the PDF

Google Docs: File → Download → PDF Document

Word: File → Save As → PDF

Plain text (recommended): If you prefer working in a plain .txt file, you can convert it:

  • Mac: Open in TextEdit → File → Export as PDF
  • Linux: enscript -p output.ps file.txt && ps2pdf output.ps file.pdf
  • VS Code: Install “Print” extension, then Ctrl+Shift+P → “Print”

Step 4: Name and submit

Name your file: lastname_firstinitial_linuxlabN.pdf

Example: yourname_linuxlab1.pdf

Push to your GitHub repo:

cp ~/yourname_linuxlab1.pdf ~/linux-lab-01-yourname/
cd ~/linux-lab-01-yourname
git add yourname_linuxlab1.pdf
git commit -m "submit lab 1"
git push

Your last push before the deadline is what gets graded.

Tips

  • Start your document when you start the lab, not after. Paste output as you go.
  • One question per section. Do not run 5 commands and then try to remember which output was which.
  • Screenshots are not recommended. Copied text is searchable, readable, and smaller. If you must use a screenshot, make sure every character is legible.
  • Check your PDF before pushing. Open it and verify all output is visible and not cut off.

Sources