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Shell Servers

How do I use Cygwin and X11 forwarding with the Shell Servers?

If you are using Windows computer that is connected to the LCSEE network and want to run an X application from the Shell Servers, such as the graphical version of emacs, follow the instructions below.

First, download and install Cygwin from the following website: http://www.cygwin.com

When prompted to chose a mirror, don't worry about the mirror we choose. We have been using "mirrors.kernel.org."

While configuring Cygwin, make sure you enable the following packages:

OpenSSH
XFree86
xorg-server
xinit
xorg-docs
x-start-menu-icons

After installation, open a Cygwin Bash Prompt by double clicking the Cygwin Icon.

Start up X by typing the following command at the Cygwin shell:

$ xwin -multiwindow

Set your DISPLAY by typing:

$ export DISPLAY=:0

Login to the shell servers via SSH. Be sure to use the -X option to allow the X connection to tunnel thorough SSH.

Type the following command at the Cygwin prompt:

$ssh -p 20110 -X wvulogin@<address to a shell server - see below>

Visit our Shell Server page for the updated list of available shell server addresses.

For the Shell Server, use your WVU Login and password. The port has been change to 20110 as well and has been included in the ssh command above.

Run your favorite X application, such as Emacs, and it should appear on your Windows Desktop.

Example:

$ xwin -multiwindow  
$ export DISPLAY=:0 
$ ssh -p 20110 -X wvulogin@shell.csee.wvu.edu

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