Using an MCS Linux PC

This page discusses using Linux at a PC in a Managed Cluster. MCS Linux can also be used by remote login from a non-Managed Cluster system; see the lefthand navigation. See also information on using DS-Files in MCS Linux and on printing from MCS Linux.

Logging in and logging out

IS 20: Information for New Users - Linux on the MCS covers the ways to start Linux on an MCS machine which is running under the default Windows operating system, and how to log in and log out.

Please remember to log out when you have finished. Failure to do so could result in another user reading, altering or deleting your files, or sending emails under your account.

The desktop

Gnome is the default window manager. If you are using this then, once you have logged in, you will see a window containing the Message of the Day, the panel, and some desktop icons. When you position your cursor over an item in the panel a short informative label appears.

Accessing applications through the menu system

Icons for two commonly used applications (web browsing, office suite) are in the panel (taskbar). To start one of these, single-click on the icon using the left mouse button.

To obtain a list of the most common categories of programs with a graphical user interface (GUI) use the left hand mouse button to click on Applications in the panel. The menu contains Submenus, marked by having a right pointing triangle on the right had side of the menu entry. Move the mouse pointer to the entry to see the submenu contents. You can then move the pointer into the submenu to select one of its elements.

The two other menus in the panel (Places and System) provide access to further useful utilities and commands.

The command line interface

The fundamental application on an MCS Linux system is the command line interface, or shell, because every application that can be launched from the menu system can also be launched from the command line and there are very many applications that only work at the command line. The shell also provides a syntax for combining commands and running commands only under certain circumstances. If you want to do any automation for processing large numbers of files then you will need to understand the command line. If you are happy with the applications and commands provided by the menuing system then you need not worry about it.

There are two ways to launch a window running a shell. You can either use the right mouse button to click on the background (known as the "root window") and select Open in Terminal, or you can select Applications -> Unix Shell and select your preferred terminal type. Either way, you should have a window appear. If you have chosen Open in Terminal using the right mouse button method or Gnome Terminal from the menu method the terminal started will look something like this:

Once you see the prompt (e.g. scone: tmp$ in the image above) you can start typing commands.

Changing your password

To change a password go to Applications -> Account Management -> Change Password or type passwd in a terminal window. You will be prompted for your current and new passwords. If you have forgotten your password you will need to have it reset. See the FAQ on What should I do if I've forgotten my password or it doesn't work?.

MCS news

The Message of the Day and UCS News provide information about events on the MCS. The Message of the Day is shown at login, the MCS-specific news on the UCS News service is at UCS News - MCS Service.

Accessibility aids

The MCS systems are designed to be used by the widest possible audience and the operating systems include features that allow those with special needs to adjust their interface. For MCS Linux these are documented in the Linux section of M351: Accessibility and Computing Service Facilities.

Applications available on MCS Linux

See the full software list for MCS Linux. Particular applications worth noting are:

Email

The supported mail clients are Thunderbird, Evolution, and the command-line Alpine.

• To use Alpine type alpine at the command line or, from the Applications menu, select Email & Messaging -> Alpine. Alpine is preconfigured to connect to Hermes.
• To use Thunderbird, type thunderbird at the command line or, from the Applications menu, select Email & Messaging -> Thunderbird. Thunderbird is not preconfigured so if you wish to use it you will need to configure it; see the page on configuring Thunderbird for Hermes for help.
• To use Evolution (email, contact management, appointment and task scheduling), type evolution at the command line or, from from the Applications menu, select Email & Messaging -> Evolution. Evolution is not preconfigured so if you wish to use it you will need to configure it; see Mail program settings for Hermes for help.

The Hermes webmail service is available using any browser.

Management of email (e.g. vacation messages, spam filtering) should be done through the webmail interface.

World Wide Web browsers

Firefox and Sea Monkey are the supported browsers. Firefox can be started by single-clicking the icon in the panel (). Sea Monkey can be accessed from the Applications menu Web Browsing -> Sea Monkey.

Other browsers e.g. Epiphany and Opera are available, but not officially supported. These can be accessed from the Applications menu Web Browsing -> Unsupported. Text-based browsers (lynx, w3m, links) are also available. To start these type the program name in a terminal window.

You will need to configure Sea Monkey and any unsupported browser that you wish to use.

Last updated: February 2012