VM

Installation

You should perform all actions in the installation section days before the exam begins. Please make sure to install the VM as soon as possible. In case of problems during installation, we can only help if there is enough time left.

Download and install the most recent version of VirtualBox.

Download our virtual machine here: https://compro.mpi-inf.mpg.de/vm/. Choose the architecture that fits for you: ARM if you use a MacBook with ARM processor, x86 otherwise.

Open the file for automated import, or open VirtualBox and select "File -> Import Appliance" and import the file "compro_2026_....ova". If there is an error "E_INVALIDARG", please make sure to use a recent VirtualBox version. If you still experience this error, please contact us as soon as possible.

After a successful import, you should see a VM called compro_2026_v1. Select this VM and click "Start". The VM should boot directly to the Desktop, where all important programs are linked.

If you (for some reason) have to log in to the VM: The username is "contestant" and the password is "contestant".

Resizing the VM

The VM may appear small on your computer. You can either carefully increase the VirtualBox window size and wait for the VM to resize (this does not work on Mac), or you can go to "View -> Virtual Screen 1 -> Scale to XXX%" and select an appropriate number.

Changing the keyboard layout

The default keyboard layout will be English. If you want to change your keyboard layout, open a Terminal and type

setxkbmap de / setxkbmap us / ...

Connecting to the VPN

In the upper right corner of your virtual machine, you should see a red "VPN"-icon. Right-click that icon and select "Connect -> compro". You will be asked for a username and password. Use the same username (teamXXXX) and password that you received for the online judge. After a successful connect, the VPN icon should turn green.

You have to connect to the VPN every time you restart your machine. However, please make sure to test your VPN connection beforehand. You can check if you are successfully connected to the VPN by connecting to https://compro.mpi-inf.mpg.de inside the VM. Note that this is the only internet site you can connect to. You won't have access to any other internet site during the exam.

If your network provider does not allow UDP traffic (e.g. the network in the Waldhaus), make sure to connect to the university VPN on your host system.

After you connected to the VPN, on https://compro.mpi-inf.mpg.de you can click on "Log In". You should not be asked for a password. Instead, there should be a big direct login button with your team.

In case of any problems

Please contact the lecture staff as soon as possible. We are available during tutorials, per email or after lectures.

Before the contest

Configuring your system

You are allowed to configure your system and IDE in a reasonable way. This, for example, includes setting up color themes, shortcuts or certain preferences. In contrast, for example, it would be forbidden to have a macro that inserts a whole algorithm automatically.

You are not allowed to use any existing files, so make sure to delete any files you create before the contest. For people with M1, create an empty directory to work in during the exam.

Please configure your software with enough time to contest begin, as we are otherwise unable to help with errors.

Downloading your cheatsheet

Depending on when you submit your cheatsheet, you may experience delays until you can download your cheatsheet. In the preview version, cheatsheets are not available.

Please navigate with Firefox to the address https://compro.mpi-inf.mpg.de/cheatsheet
Note that you must be connected to the VPN beforehand.

Testing your setup

You may test your setup by submitting solutions to the exercise sheets from your VM. If you are able to program solutions inside the VM, and you are able to submit them, you should be fine. You are strongly advised to test your setup beforehand.

Note that if you do this, you have to remove all files you create before the exam starts. You are not allowed to keep any file you created except your downloaded cheatsheet for exams. (changed configuration files are exempt within reason, see above).
We will check your system integrity before and during the exam.

During the contest

Submitting your solutions

You can reach the judge at https://compro.mpi-inf.mpg.de. The submission process is the very same as in the exercise sheets. Note that you must be connected to the VPN to reach the judge!

Important Links

You should see a file called "important-links" on your VM's Desktop. In this file, all important links are collected. All links only work if you are already connected to the VPN.

Unzipping Files

Files (e.g. downloaded samples) can be unzipped via command line with the unzip tool. If you plan to use this feature, please test this beforehand.

Proctoring

Your system will be automatically monitored during the exam to ensure fairness for all participants. Note that, in particular, all files in the VM are subject to (automatic) inspection. Hence, do not place sensitive / private data inside of the VM. Furthermore, proctors may remotely view your screen at any time during the exam. However, note that all those measurements only take place inside the VM. Your host system will not be proctored at all.

Competitive Programming

VM