Computational Physics 2007 > Network access

Network access to PWF Linux from Macintosh

If your local machine is a Macintosh, to connect usefully to the PWF Linux server you will need both an X server program for Macintosh, and a secure shell client. If your machine is running Mac OS X, then the SSH client will already be available, but you may have to install an X server program, such as XDarwin. If your machine is running an earlier version of Mac OS, then you will have to install both an X server, such as MI/X for Macintosh, and a secure shell client, such as NiftyTelnet.

Connecting via MI/X

To make a connection using MI/X, first set the Preferences to accept connections from all hosts, check "Use Local Window Manager", and then start MI/X.

Then run the NiftyTelnet application, and click the "New.." button on the New Connection dialog box to enter the settings for an SSH connection. Set the hostname to linux.phy.pwf.cam.ac.uk, and the Protocol to SSH. You should now be able to connect to the PWF Linux server, quoting your password to gain access.

Before starting any X windows applications, set the DISPLAY environment variable to point to your local machine, by typing e.g.
    linux$ export DISPLAY=mymac.college.cam.ac.uk:0.0
and you should then be able to start applications in the usual way:
    linux$ xterm &
    linux$ nedit prog.f90 &

There is a Frequently Asked Questions page for MI/X at:

If you have problems installing or using these programs on your Macintosh system, your College Computer Officer may be able to help.