Luke Perrin wrote a senior project speech about creating a Minecraft server. He worked with a facilitator, Mr. Victor Agramonte, who has 36 years of experience with computers. They chose Ubuntu Linux as the operating system and installed Minecraft and Bukkit to allow for multiplayer gaming. Setting up the server involved learning Linux commands, troubleshooting plugin and license issues, and adding a website. The project improved Luke's technical skills and prepared him for studying computer game development in college.

1. Luke Perrin
Mrs. Lester
Senior Project Speech
5 March 2012
Senior Speech
Have you ever played a mesmerizing, addictive, yet simple game? Games that eventually
become part of your being? Well that description fits my being quite well. I’ve been playing
games since I was able to talk, and constantly getting better at them. It started with a borderline
insanity game, one that I never beat, which sparked the wild fire that resides in my brain. It was
through that spark that I found my passion for gaming. I never beat that game, and eventually
lost it in the mountains of games that I now own. In a way, its like a sickening obsession, or even
a rather cruel twist of fate to have lost it. Yet I was disgusted to see people cheat games through
hacks, like Final Fantasy VII, and bringing back a character who’s death was part of the story.
It turned a cinematic, gripping moment in the game into nothing but wasted time. It was from
the sickening effects of the hacking that made me realize that hacking was nothing more than a
plague.
Thus, the topic of my research paper was the effect of hackers on technology, and how
hackers are being stopped. The plague of hacking creates turmoil for software programmers, who
are tasked with the duty to prevent it. I chose hacking as the topic because it is a growing and
rapidly expanding virus that is overrunning the floodgates of the Internet. The server that I made
allows me to control the activities on it. This matches what software programmers, and other
IT workers go through on a regular basis. It also allowed me to learn different ways to protect
it from hackers. The server has also allowed me to see the hands on effects of the research I did
previously. Through both the paper, and the product, I’ve been able to get a better understanding
of computers. Now that you know my reasons for choosing my project, I will now take you

2. through the processes that I went through to create the server.
In my search for a facilitator, I came across Mr. Victor Agramonte. I was looking for
someone that knew how computers worked, while having a flexible schedule. I also looked
for someone that was able to be easily contacted, and someone we knew. In a stroke of luck,
my facilitator goes to the same church as I do, and happens to be a family friend. I simply
had to contact him, and see if Mr. Agramonte was available to assist me. Mr. Agramonte has
been working with data processing and computers for over 36 years. He’s also an expert with
programming, diagnostics, and installing computers.
Due to his guidance, I was able to accomplish all the steps we took to get to the product.
During the project, I went through several steps, and had many set backs to resolve during it. The
first step we took was to figure out what kind of server we wanted. We had to choose between
the different models of Linux. After much discussion, we decided on Ubuntu which was free,
and the easiest to use. We then went over the specs, specifications, for the server. We had to
determine how much memory, ram, and other specifications that we wanted to put into it. We
settled on an older tower, that had been refurbished. In order to use Linux, I had to study and
learn the codes. I didn’t have the resources, like manuals, handbooks, etc, to study. We managed
to find several guides on sale, including the Dummies Guide to Ubuntu Linux.
Next, we started setting Ubuntu up, installing the core programs, and creating the
root user. We did hit a snag with installing some programs like Java and Bukkit. We found a way
to use another program called PUTTY to download the needed programs from another computer.
I then took some time getting use to commands like wget, sudo -s, cd /, and many more. I had
some difficulty memorizing some of these commands, and how to better use them. It simply took
practice, and on hands learning to get better. After learning more of the commands, we installed

3. Minecraft to the server and Bukkit. Minecraft is a simple, blocky game and Bukkit is a program
that helps set it up for multiplayer. We ran into issues with Bukkit, and getting it to set up
properly. We set up a static IP to keep it from changing randomly. Next we installed plugins,
which allow new features in game, to the server. The plugins had a tendency to malfunction and
the properties were difficult to set up. We kept the properties simple, and removed
malfunctioning plugins. Then we bought a VPN, and Security Server License to allow access
from any location. We ran into some issues with the purchasing of both licenses, and connecting
the licenses to the server. The solution just took more time to tinker and allow the licenses to be
approved.
As we got closer to the end of the project, we started to add some minor touches to it.
One of the features is a website, which provides information about the server to anyone who
happens upon it. Yet, it is rather complicated to work on, and is still being finished. Finally, we
released the server to the public. Unfortunately the only problem was that Minecraft updated,
which made Bukkit out of date. The solution is to wait for bukkit to update, and to install the
newest version. Finally, I’ve found out new sides of myself through the project.
The senior project has been a learning experience on a personal level, and also in a
business level. I’ve found that through the project I have improved my typing skills, and my
ability to organize information. I’ve also found that I’m more capable with my hands when
working on small computer parts. On the other hand, I’ve found that in the early stages of
the project, I tended to procrastinate. I’ve improved my telephone skills, and with business
letters. I’ve learned how to write or type business letters, and gotten more experience talking
on the phone in a professional manner. I’m interested in software programming, hardware
programming, and definitely game development.

4. After leaving high school, I plan on attending Southern Polytechnic. Through it, I hope
to get the skills needed for a career in Computer/Console Game Development and Software
programming. I also plan on minoring in Software programming, or Computer sciences in order
to ensure that I can find work after college.