Logging in to shared UNIX workstations
Introduction
This document presumes that you've already obtained your SUNet ID and are now ready to log in to one of the shared UNIX workstations to check files, create a web page, or obtain other computing services. The way you log in depends on where you are, what software you are using, and other factors. This document will point you in the right direction for each login option.
Logging in remotely:
To log in from your office, dorm, or public computer cluster, the computer you're working on must have a program that gives you "klogin" or "SSH" capability, or have the ability to put AFS onto your desktop. If you don't have one of these programs installed on your computer already, you can get one free from the Essential Stanford Software site on the web. You can also obtain a copy from your RCC (for students) or your local Expert Partner (for faculty and staff).
- An excellent set of step by step instructions can be found on the Configuring SecureCRT page.
- If your connection doesn't look right, you may need to return to this page and read through the Set your terminal type section below.
LelandSSH is availabe for Macintosh download via Essential
Stanford Software. For more infomation about installing and
using Leland SSH, see:
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/itss/ess/mac/docs/lelandssh/index.html
You don't have to use UNIX to put up web pages, store documents, etc. If you put AFS on the desktop of your Macintosh or Windows computer, you can do all of these things directly using a simple drag and drop interface. Go to http://www.stanford.edu/services/afs/intro/mounting.html for more information.
Remote connection via modem
You can also log in remotely via modem, but the process can be complicated. We recommend that you start with your local expert, LNA, RCC, or ITSS consultant.
Remote connection via X11 or VNC (X-Windows)
You can also log in remotely via X11 for Mac or PC, or via VNC for the
PC. Instructions for this method are located here.
Logging in at a remote UNIX terminal
The login: prompt should already be on the screen. If the screen is dark, press the RETURN key. At the login: prompt, type your SUNet ID (which acts as your Leland username) and press the RETURN key. At the password: prompt, type your password and press the RETURN key. For security reasons, your password will not be displayed on the screen as you type it.
When logging in, remember that UNIX computers are case-sensitive, that is, they distinguish between upper and lower case letters. For example, UNIX computers would consider biggdogz and BIGGdogz to be two different passwords.
Was your login successful?
You'll know your login was successful when you see the system prompt (the name of the machine followed by an angle bracket, e.g., cardinal> , elaine12>).
At this point, you may need to set your terminal type, depending on which system you've accessed and the method used to log in. If you are logging in from a workstation, your terminal type will have been set automatically. You can ignore the following step and proceed with your work session.
Set your terminal type
This may be the first thing you have to do after logging in. It ensures that your computer and the computer to which you are connecting both agree on how data should be displayed on your screen. This is important when using text editors and other programs.
If you're connecting remotely from a Mac or PC, you may be able to set your terminal type by entering set term=vt100 at the system prompt. Whether this works depends on how you're connecting, how your remote terminal program's preferences are set, and which computer you're connecting to. If your work session does not display correctly on the screen, or some programs just refuse to work, you may need additional help setting your terminal type. Take a look at the document called Setting Your Terminal Type for more detailed instructions. If you still have questions about setting your terminal type, see the "For more information" section below.
Logging out
- Before you log out, be sure to quit any program you are running: Type q and then press the RETURN key.
- To log out, type exit in response to the system prompt and press the RETURN key. If you do not get a system prompt on your screen, hold down the CONTROL key and type "c" to get it.
For More Information
If you have questions about how to log in to the Leland Systems, submit your question to HelpSU via http://helpsu.stanford.edu/.
