Computer Systems: Setup

• This semester, we will utilize the department server, molly, for all our in-class hands-on, assignments, and lab activities. To connect to molly, we will use a mechanism called Secure Shell, or SSH.

• SSH is a cryptographic network protocol for secure communication over an unsecured network. SSH allows us to open a command-line terminal to login to molly.

Access to molly server

• Student accounts for molly are created on the first day of class.
  • The professor will hand out login name/password.
  • The password is not the same as your WCUPA password.
• Students added later to the class should contact the professor to request access to molly.

Command line terminal software on Windows

• Download and install Windows Terminal from the Microsoft Store.

Command line terminal software on Mac

• Use the Search box (magnifying glass on top-right of your Mac Desktop) and type in the word Terminal.
• Launch the resulting Terminal app.

Connect to molly via SSH

• Launch the Terminal application (windows or Mac).
• Type the following and press Enter.
  • USERID is your WCUPA email login without the @wcupa.edu part.
• If/when asked Are you sure you want to continue connecting (/yes/no/[fingerprint])?, type yes and press Enter.
• It is normal if you type in your password when asked and nothing shows up. It is a security feature, so that other cannot look at your screen and count the number of letters in your password.

ssh USERID@molly.cs.wcupa.edu

• The figures below demonstrate SSH to molly with the professor’s login ID.

Change your password

• After login to molly for the first time, type passwd and press Enter to change the default password.
• You will be asked to provide your original password, and retype a new password two times.

passwd

• The figures below demonstrate SSH to molly with the professor’s login ID.