ORUneed User Guide

Author: Samuel Bulnes
Institution: Oral Roberts University

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Introduction

This User Guide describes the technical steps required to install, configure, and run the ORUneed application locally for development, testing, or evaluation purposes. It is intended for instructors, reviewers, and system administrators who need to execute the project on their own machines.

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System Requirements

To run ORUneed locally, the following software and hardware components are required:

• A computer running Windows 10/11, macOS, or Linux
• At least 8 GB of RAM (16 GB recommended)
• Internet connection
• Flutter SDK
• Android Studio
• Android Emulator OR Physical Android Device

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Installation

Installing Flutter

1. Download Flutter from: https://docs.flutter.dev/get-started/install
2. Extract Flutter to a directory such as C:\flutter
3. Add Flutter to the system PATH.
4. Open a terminal and run:

   flutter doctor

5. Verify that all dependencies are correctly detected.

Installing Android Studio and Emulator

1. Install Android Studio.
2. During installation, make sure to include:
   • Android SDK
   • Android Emulator
   • Platform Tools
3. Open Android Studio and create an emulator:
   • Device: Pixel or similar
   • API Level: 30 or higher

Installing Dependencies

Inside the project directory, run:

flutter pub get

This command downloads all required Flutter packages.

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Downloading the ORUneed Project (ZIP File)

The ORUneed source code is provided as a compressed ZIP file.

1. Download the file named: ORUneed.zip
2. Right-click the ZIP file and select "Extract All…"
3. Choose a destination folder, for example: C:\Projects\ORUneed

This folder will be used to open and run the project with Flutter.

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Running the Backend Server (Node.js)

ORUneed requires a backend server for features such as real-time communication and data handling. This server is executed using Node.js.

1. Open a new Command Prompt / Terminal window (separate from the Flutter terminal).
2. Navigate to the backend directory inside the project folder:

   cd C:\Projects\ORUneed\backend

3. Install the required Node.js dependencies (only needed the first time):

   npm install

4. Start the backend server:

   node server.js

If the server starts successfully, the terminal will display a message indicating that the server is running (e.g., Server running on port 3000).

Note: The backend server must remain running in its own terminal window while ORUneed is active in the Flutter emulator.

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Running ORUneed with Flutter (Local Setup)

To run ORUneed from the extracted project using Flutter:

1. Make sure Flutter is installed and configured. Verify with:

   flutter doctor

2. Open a terminal and navigate to the project directory:

   cd C:\Projects\ORUneed

3. Install all project dependencies:

   flutter pub get

4. Start an Android emulator from Android Studio or with:

   flutter emulators --launch <emulator_id>

5. Once the emulator is running, launch the application:

   flutter run

The ORUneed application will build and launch inside the selected emulator.

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User Guide

Creating an Account

1. Open the ORUneed application.
2. Select the "Sign Up" option.
3. Enter your ORU email address, password, and any required personal information.
4. Submit the registration form.
5. Check your ORU email inbox for a verification message (check the Mimecast Panel).
6. Click the verification link to confirm your account.

Once your email is verified, your account will be activated and ready for use.

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Logging In and Out

Logging In:

1. Open the ORUneed application.
2. Select "Log In".
3. Enter your ORU email address and password.
4. Click "Submit" to access your account.

Logging Out:

1. Open the Profile section.
2. Select "Log Out".
3. Confirm the logout action.

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Navigating the Application

The main navigation system of ORUneed includes the following sections:

Section	Description
Home	Displays active job postings
Post	Allows users to create a new job request
Chat	Provides real-time messaging
History	Shows completed and pending job records
Profile	Allows users to view and edit personal information

Users navigate between these sections using the bottom navigation bar or main menu.

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Creating a Job Post

1. Navigate to the Post section.
2. Enter a job title (e.g., "Help Moving Furniture").
3. Enter a job description explaining the task, location, and expected duration.
4. Enter the payment or compensation amount.
5. Add optional details such as time and date.
6. Click "Submit" or "Post Job".

After submission, the job post becomes visible to other users.

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Browsing and Accepting Jobs

Browsing Jobs:

1. Navigate to the View Jobs section.
2. Scroll through available job listings.
3. Click on a job to view its details.

Accepting a Job:

1. After reviewing the job details, click "Accept Job".
2. The job requester will receive a notification.
3. Use the Chat feature to confirm time, location, and expectations.

Once the job is completed, both users can view the record in their job history.

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Using the Chat Feature

The Chat feature allows real-time communication between users.

1. Open the Chat section.
2. Select a conversation linked to an active or accepted job.
3. Enter your message.
4. Press "Send" to deliver the message.

The chat is used to clarify job details, confirm meeting times, and provide updates.