This page will give a you a quick guide as to how to get started with PIVOTE.


There are two main options:

  • Use a hosted service (Daden currently host a trial service)
  • Install the code on your own server

The instructions first describe how to use the hosted service, and then describe the added steps required to install the system on your own servers.

Hosted Service

Daden are hosting an initial hosted service for the Beta testing, and may offer an ongoing trial and commercial service after that. Other organisations will also be able to offer hosting services and we'll set up a page on the Wiki with contact details for each.

Register

You must first register with Daden (although automated sign-up is coming) or another hosting provider. Email pivote@daden.co.uk for details.

Download

If you want to build your own controller and objects in SL then you need to download the following from http://code.google.com/p/pivote/.

Alternatively ask Daden or SGUL to provide you with copies of the objects with scripts in world - visit the PIVOTE Centre at http://slurl.com/secondlife/St%20Georges%20University/123/16/21.

SL Setup

Within SL you will need to do the following:

SL Controller

You should not need to edit the Controller Script, but you will need to edit the config file. You can build your own controller using our script, or get the standard one from Daden/SGUL and use/hack that.

Rez the SL Controller and edit the config file. In the config file the elements you MUST change are:

  • Service URL - default is the daden demo, otherwise set your own
  • Service User ID - given to you by host or your own choice, BUT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE ACCESS ID's FOR THE EXERCISES
  • Service Password - again from host or yourself

The Controller currently uses a media relay to manage the Media URL (which saves deeding the Controller when on group land. Again get from Daden/SGUL or download the code from the Source files and put in an object and deed to the group that owns the land.

SL Objects

You can edit the object script to your hearts content AS LONG AS YOU MAINTAIN THE CHAT INTERFACE ELEMENTS. See in the code for details. To keep with the spirit of PIVOTE try not to embed any exercise content (or even process) in the scripts.

Creating Exercises

You should now be able to log on to the Pivote Manager on the web and create your first exercise. There is a full guide in the Documentation.

You can test the case from the web, and only once you are happy with the core of it should you drop in to SL to test it. When you press START on the MVP Controller it should display your exercises to you. If it doesn't make sure you have the correct Service URL, ID and Password in the config file.

Running Exercises

There is a full guide in the Documentation.

Own Server

If you don't want to use a hosting service then you can download and install your own PIVOTE service. This would for instance let you run PIVOTE behind a firewall.

Download

Download the latest server zip file from Download

Install & Configuration

You must have a web server running Perl 5.

Unzip the file and follow the instructions in readme.txt which tell you what goes where and what permissions to set and config file changes to make.

Point your browser at pivotemgr.pl on your server and log-in and create your first case.