Miscellaneous Questions

1. How do I get an account on the computer systems?

   If you are enrolled in a Computer Science class that requires use of a UNIX account (e.g. CSCI 1583 or CSCI 2120), the account will have most likely been already created for you. The same also applies for Windows NT accounts. Stop by the User Services Room (Math. 319) and check. If an account has not been created, you may submit a service request to User Services. Please indicate what type of account you want (UNIX or NT or both) at the top of the form. Such requests are generally processed in 1-2 days and your account information will be available in User Services after processing has been completed. If the request is extremely urgent, you can stop by at the System Manager's Office (Math. 327) and submit the request there.

2. Can I edit files remotely?

   Yes. Two text editors are available for this purpose: vi and pico. Simply type "vi <name of your file>" or "pico <name of your file>" to begin. More information on using these editors is available at: Pico Tutorial and Vi Tutorial.

3. How do I start a command line window / terminal on the UNIX systems?

   Click on the terminal icon (highlighted in the screenshot below) on the panel.

   

4. How do I start Netscape on the UNIX systems?

   Click on the Netscape Navigator icon (highlighted in the screenshot below) on the panel.

   

5. How do I start the File Manager on the UNIX systems?

   Click on the File Manager icon (highlighted in the screenshot below) on the panel.

   

6. How can I transfer files to my UNIX account and vice-versa?

   You will need to use a ftp client. A good ftp client for windows is WS_FTP_LE. Read the following FTP Tutorial to understand how to transfer files to and from your home system and UNIX account. Secure ftp (sftp) is also available. A secure ftp client for windows can be found here. The ftp and sftp server is telnet.cs.uno.edu.

7. How can I change my shell?

   Submit a service request to User Services (Math. 319) indicating which shell you want. If you are planning on changing your shell, please be aware that support will not be provided for it i.e. you must set up your own environment, configuration files, etc. The only shell supported by the department is the Korn shell (ksh). This situation may change in the near future.

8. I'm typing backspace on the keyboard and my screen fills up with junk. What's wrong?

   Try using the Delete key instead. Alternately, you may type the command stty erase ^? to use the backspace key for deleting.

9. Netscape won't load applets!!! What should I do?

   Try removing the lock file in your Netscape directory. You can do this by typing rm .netscape/lock from your home directory. Then restart Netscape and try again.

10. My UNIX configuration files have become corrupted! How do I restore them?

    Type: /home/venkata/csreset at the command line. Warning: you will lose any customizations you have made to your configuration files. Then logout and log back in to your account for the changes to take effect.

11. How do I read a PDF file under Solaris?

    You need to use Adobe Acrobat Reader. Type acroread & at the command line to start it.

12. How do I create my website on the departmental web server?

    Create a directory called .htm in your home directory. In that directory, place a file called index.htm. This will be the starting point for your website. Your website will now be accessible by going to: http://www.cs.uno.edu/~username.

13. How do I get access to the department's wireless network?

    You must be a Computer Science major and have an 802.11b wireless network card that supports encryption. Send e-mail to the System Manager to schedule an appointment for setting up the card on the network.

14. I want to buy a computer. What do you recommend?

    The best source of information for making a decision on purchasing a system are your fellow students -- ask around. There local chapter of the ACM should also be able to help.