[Microbit-Python] Say hola to microperi [WIP]

Mon May 16 05:55:43 EDT 2016

If that app has not been explicitly allowed, it will not run.

On 16 May 2016, at 10:48, "a.grandi at gmail.com" <a.grandi at gmail.com> wrote:

> What happens if a Python script invokes an external app :) ?
> 
> just curious :P
> 
> On 16 May 2016 at 10:37, Andrew Ferguson 500
> <andrewferguson500 at gmail.com> wrote:
>> One thing to note is that some schools (such as the one I go to) don't
>> permit running any new applications, but do permit running python programs.
>> Therefore I think it would always be a good idea to have the raw python
>> files available so that schools with access to python but with no way to run
>> built executables can use the programs.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On 16 May 2016, at 10:27, Andy Crook <andy.crook at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Sadly our IT is run at county level who assess every suggestion and get back
>> to us. I guess by expensive they mean technician time to dedicate to
>> creating the custom image with all the necessary restrictions in place, then
>> deploying it with an install of virtualbox. A couple of years ago I was told
>> we can't have Blender installed as it would require python. Go figure.
>> 
>> I asked for Mu to be installed on all pc's months ago. They were quick to
>> put it on the list of jobs to be done. It's not done yet. I get the scary
>> feeling that microbit will fall flat on its face here as we won't be able to
>> use them in any capacity.
>> 
>> I was thinking for next year I should tell all CS students to get a
>> raspberry pi and an HDMI to VGA lead to connect to our monitors, so at least
>> they can use the device properly. However, that's not allowed as they
>> wouldn't be our gear, so not PAT tested etc. Rock and a hard place.
>> 
>> However, this is getting a bit doom 'n' gloom. I hope things eventually sort
>> out but for me progress seems glacial.
>> 
>> On 16 May 2016 at 10:15, Nicholas H.Tollervey <ntoll at ntoll.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Andy,
>>> 
>>> Your email is a perfect example of the sort of conversations I've been
>>> having with teachers.
>>> 
>>> VirtualBox (https://www.virtualbox.org/) is a free VM from Oracle. If
>>> you're being told virtualization is too expensive then I'd push back
>>> hard. It doesn't need to be.
>>> 
>>> That this sort of thing is annoying both developers, teachers and
>>> students is, in the long run, a good thing (tm) since people will try to
>>> fix it (where "fix" is likely to be both a technical and
>>> "organisational" solution).
>>> 
>>> Hope this helps,
>>> 
>>> N.
>>> 
>>> On 16/05/16 10:06, Andy Crook wrote:
>>>> School IT is a massive problem. I teach computer science and the
>>>> controlled assessments require linux usage this time. We don't have any
>>>> linux boxes, won't get any, can't install any VM (it's too 'expensive'!)
>>>> and aren't allowing kids to bring in anything of their own.
>>>> 
>>>> On windows, they aren't able to use a terminal or run executables. So
>>>> I'm just saying, if anything makes things easier to depoly and use
>>>> without any rights so much the better.
>>>> 
>>>> On 16 May 2016 at 09:31, Nicholas H.Tollervey <ntoll at ntoll.org
>>>> <mailto:ntoll at ntoll.org>> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>>    On 16/05/16 09:18, David Whale wrote:
>>>>> I think it's not really how schools organise their IT that is the
>>>>> problem. It's us developers who assume that *everyone else* is
>>>> happy
>>>>> with spending hours downloading all sorts of things and building
>>>>> packages from source.
>>>>> 
>>>>> I actually take sides with Laura Dixon on this one.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Why should I have to download a program in order to install some
>>>> other
>>>>> program?
>>>>> 
>>>>> I don't think we're there yet as an industry. If we want to engage
>>>> with
>>>>> schools and teachers, we have to have some better best-practices
>>>> that we
>>>>> can all follow to make it easier and more accessible for them.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Another one to add to the 'lunchtime beer and chat' agenda ;-)
>>>>> 
>>>>> David
>>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>>    Oh I'm totally with Laura and you on this. But let's be honest here,
>>>>    school IT is *also* a huge problem. I've spent hours talking to
>>>> teachers
>>>>    who vent about not being able to install things because of
>>>> bureaucratic
>>>>    reasons. Note - this is not the same problem as venting because
>>>>    installation is complicated, the IT infrastructure issue is because
>>>> of
>>>>    ineffective leadership and bureaucracy.
>>>> 
>>>>    Both should be tackled, but I agree with you 100% that making things
>>>>    easy to install is important and, importantly, it's something we
>>>>    developers can help with a lot easier than, say, fixing shonky
>>>> school IT
>>>>    infrastructure.
>>>> 
>>>>    Best wishes,
>>>> 
>>>>    N.
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
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>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
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>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
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> 
> 
> -- 
> Andrea Grandi - Software Engineer
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