Introduction to Linux

Logging on to linux.bath.ac.uk

Overview

  • Teaching: 5 min
  • Exercises: 0 min

Questions

  • Where can I run the shell?
  • What is linux.bath.ac.uk?

Objectives

  • Download data for use in this workshop
  • Explain how putty/kitty/ssh allows you to login to remote machines.
  • Explain how to login to ‘linux.bath.ac.uk’ from University computers.
  • Explain that we use Xming in case we want to forward graphics.

This episode details how to get started on the University of Bath’s general use linux service ‘linux.bath.ac.uk’. This service runs Ubuntu, a common Linux operating system with similar appearance to that found on MacOs and HPC services. You can access this machine from the Windows machines in the PC lab or from any other PC on campus.

Getting Started

First we need to download data for this lesson:

Download data-shell.zip and move the file to your ‘H-drive’. Unzip/extract the file (ask your instructor if you need help with this step). You should end up with a new folder called data-shell in your ‘H-drive’.

Now you are ready to log into linux.bath. Go to:

  • ‘Start’ → All Programs → Xming → linux

This launches a program called ‘Kitty’ which will try to connect to the linux service. A window should open which looks like:

linux-login

Type your user name and you should be prompted for a password:

linux-password

Passwords in linux

When you type your password no ‘*s’ will appear. This is not a mistake, in linux the password typically remains hidden.

Think why this might improve security.

If you have successfully logged on, the window should now look something like this:

linux-success

You should be able to see your username followed by @linux or similar. On ‘linux.bath’ this is the name of the machine that you have logged onto. Since a number of machines make up the service what you see may be slightly different.

Kitty is a derivative of another tool Putty which can has similar functionality, both use a service called ssh to connect to the linux service. This may be referred to as a shell, terminal, command line session. We use Xming since this also allows grapchics to be forwarded over the ssh connection, but this may not form part of your course.

Key Points

  • The University runs the ‘linux.bath’ service to provide a general use Linux machine
  • ‘linux.bath’ provides certain academic software for students and staff
  • The service is a shared machine designed for lightweight use
  • For heavy workloads you should investigate using the Unviersity’s HPC service

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