Unix Account Guide

Topics

I. Obtaining an account

II. Renewing your account

III. Accessing the central Unix systems

• Secure Shell (SSH) for PCs
  

• Secrure Shell (SSH) for Macs

IV. Logging on for the first time

V. Using the Unix menu

VI. Learning to use the system

VII. Using the system's resources

VIII. Logging off

IX. Getting help

X. Obtaining more information

Full Document

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.

Note: Temple also has a Unix system called Euler used exclusively for research and statistical processing. If you need a Euler account for your research, please contact the Help Desk.

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 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.

Secure Shell (SSH) for Macs

Mac users can download a program called MacSSH from the Computer Services Software Download website.

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. Using the Unix menu

On Astro, instead of typing commands at the system prompt, the Unix menu allows you to select system resources from a menu. You can make selections by typing one of the numbers shown on the left of the menu. To display the Unix menu, type unixmenu at the system prompt.

VI. 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

VII. 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
  

• Mail Programs (Astro only):
  pine
  elm (unsupported)
  

• Other resources:
  ssh
  sftp

The Euler system, unlike Astro, is used exclusively for research and statistical processing. If you need a Euler account for your research, contact the Help Desk.