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Prerequisites

This guide assumes that you are comfortable with Linux, but need help accessing a CSCS machine. If you are already familiar with this process, feel free to skip ahead. You can find a list of machines here, and don't forget to change your password.

If you are a little new to or rusty with Linux, please consider reviewing some online tutorials or purchasing a book targeted for you specific distribution of Linux. There are some tutorials listed on this page.

In order to connect to the CSCS network, you must first pick a target computer. A list of the lab computers can be found here. Once you've picked your machine, keep the name handy, as we'll be using it again soon.

Console login in the CSCS lab

In order to login to your CSCS account, enter your login and password as prompted at any computer in the lab. You then will usually want to open a console session. The console (''also known as Terminal, in some distributions) is typically accessible from the application or system menu under the Accessories group. It might go by the name Console, Terminal, or Shell. You can also position the mouse in the screen background area, then press the CTRL key and the right mouse button (MB3) at the same time -- a menu will appear, from which you can choose "Open Terminal".

Once the terminal session window appears, it will have a command line prompt. You then enter commands and press Enter to have them executed. See any unix/linux tutorial for more information about the basic commands you will need to use.

If you cannot find a terminal/console application, please contact the cscs admins for help.

Connecting from a remote machine

Connecting to your CSCS account is as simple as typing the following on your local machines console session:

ssh target_computer.cscs.lsa.umich.edu

where "target_computer" can be any of the CSCS machines listed here. The first time you connect, you may see a message such as the following:

The authenticity of host 'puma.cscs.lsa.umich.edu (141.211.189.56)' can't be established.
DSA key fingerprint is 71:fb:bb:c2:d9:a0:69:50:84:5c:3c:4e:3a:ba:fd:43.
Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no)?

Just enter "yes".

Last but not least, make sure that you have gone over the CSCS Conditions of Usage and the Lab Info. You will be held to these standards, so please be aware of them.

Logging Out

If you're sitting at a machine in the CSCS lab, you should logout via System Menu -> Log Out -> Confirm Yes. Be sure to confirm the logout when prompted! Otherwise, if you're connected remotely, type exit at the command line prompt in your console session.

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