Since the assignment requires your code to work on a Unix system, you first need to install one. Follow these simple steps to install a virtual Unix environment on top of your existing Windows installation.
- Download and install VirtualBox for Windows.
- Download & unpack this Ubuntu 12.10 disc image (NOTE: Requires 7-Zip).
- Launch VirtualBox and create a new Virtual Machine (name it Ubuntu).
- In the "Virtual Hard Disk" settings, select "Use existing hard disk" and select the image file you just downloaded (NOTE: It's filename should end in ".vdi").
- Run your new Virtual Machine. You should see the Ubuntu splash screen.
- Login with username ubuntu and password reverse (NOTE: Case Sensitive!).
- Open up Terminal and type sudo apt-get install build-essential (NOTE: when Terminal prompts you for a password, use reverse).
- You should (with hope) have everything you need for your assignment. For more information on network programming, consult Beej's Guide to Network Programming -- Using Internet Sockets.