The Math/CS department has many specialized software packages that
run under the Linux operating system, including Maple (symbolic
mathematics package) and LaTex (document preparation system, especially
good for writing math-heavy papers). Many of these programs can
be run from computers other than those in the Math/CS labs.
To access the Math/CS network from outside the labs, you need to
first download some free software that will allow you to connect
securely to the Math/CS lab servers. (A secure connection means
that the information passed between your computer and the Math/CS
computers is encrypted.) I suggest using a program called
"putty", which is available at http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/download.html.
(If you are running Windows, the specific file you want is http://the.earth.li/~sgtatham/putty/latest/x86/putty.exe).
Simply download this file to your desktop.
Once you have putty, double-click the putty.exe shortcut to start
the program. In the window that appears (the putty configuration
window), you should see a text box labeled "Host Name (or IP
address)". In this box, enter server3.mathcs.duq.edu the name
of the Math/CS machine currently used for remote access. Also
make sure that the radio button below this text box (in the Protocol:
area) labeled SSH is selected. Then click the Open button near
the bottom of the window.
The putty configuration window will disappear, and another window
should pop up. After a brief pause, you should see a login
prompt. Enter your Math/CS user name (the one you use to log in
to Math/CS lab computers) and press Enter. When prompted for your
password, enter your Math/CS password. You should next see a
prompt just as you would see if you opened a console (shell) window in
Linux on a Math/CS lab computer.
You can now enter
commands just as you would in a Linux shell window.