I. Obtaining an account

Your AccessNet username and password gives you access to the Astro Unix system which you can use to work on programming assignments and host Web pages.

For information on how to use the Astro Unix system, see the Temple's central Unix systems Web page.

II. Renewing your account

Personal accounts are automatically renewed as long as you are enrolled as a student or employed by the University.

III. Accessing the central Unix systems

You can access the central Unix systems from the computer labs on campus or from a computer at home using a Secure Shell (SSH) program, as described below:

Secure Shell (SSH) for PCs

To access the system, use Temple's recommended Secure Shell (SSH) program. You can download the recommended Secure Shell (SSH) program from the Computer Services Software Download website.

Terminal for Macs

Mac users can a program called Terminal which comes with the Mac OS.

IV. Logging on for the first time

Once you access the system, you will be prompted for your username. Type your AccessNet username and press the Enter key. Unix is case sensitive, so type small or capital letters as shown on the account information sheet. You will then be prompted for your password. Type your AccessNet password and press Enter.

If you log on successfully, you will see the system news. Press Enter. If you are using Astro, you will then see the Unix menu.

V. Learning to use the system

For a brief introduction to the Unix operating system, see the Unix Quick Reference Guide. This guide, as well as other information related to Temple's central Unix systems, is available on the Unix Systems documentation page.

Hands-on training is available in Computer Services seminars. These seminars are free and open to Temple faculty, staff, and students. Seminar schedules are available at the Help Desk as well as the locations listed on the back panel of this brochure. The seminar schedule is also available online at: http://seminars.temple.edu

VI. Using the system's resources

The following software is installed on the central Unix systems:

• Shells: 
  csh (c shell)
  tcsh (enhanced c shell)
  sh (Bourne shell)

• Programming Languages:
  C
  C++
  Fortran
  Java (Astro only)

• Editors: 
  pico 
  vi

• Other resources:
  ssh
  sftp

VII. Logging off

Always log off the system, when you are finished using your account. To log off from the Unix menu on Astro, first type 4 and press Enter to go to the system prompt. Then, type exit. Never leave your account logged on or unattended.

VIII. Getting help

For questions regarding your Unix account, call or visit the Help Desk. The Help Desk location and phone number are listed in the next section. For Help Desk hours, go to: http://www.temple.edu/helpdesk

You may also send questions to the Help Desk via e-mail to: help@temple.edu

IX. Obtaining more information

For more information on Temple's Unix systems, see the Computer Services web page at: http://www.temple.edu/cs

You may also call or visit a Computer Services location.