Remote Access

You don't always need to be in the PRISM lab to work on your 1020 assignments. Working on your own computer is convenient if the lab is busy, closed, or if you live far from the University. To do so, you must first install software on your computer. Which software you install depends on how you wish to work.

Using a Broadband (High-Speed) Internet Connection

Download and install Xming. Use Xming to connect to the SSH server shown at the top of this page. By doing so, you will be able to use the resources of the Department server without further configuration. More information on Xming is available here.

If you just need to run a few simple commands, you can use PuTTY to connect to the SSH server above. However, PuTTY is text only. You will not be able to run any applications (e.g., NEdit or Firefox).

Working Offline (without an Internet connection)

Working offline allows you increased freedom. With a laptop, you could work on you assignments during your commute to and from campus. Working offline is also convenient if you have a slow or problematic Internet connection. However, this method requires downloading, installing, and configuring numerous programs.

Most of these programs are also on the CD that came with your textbook. However, downloading from the Internet provides the most current versions. The order of installation is as follows:

1. Java SE Development Kit (JDK) 6 Update 10: This allows you to compile and run your Java programs.


2. TYPE: This allows you to use the TYPE package and to eCheck your work. Note: You will still need an Internet connection to have your grade recorded, but you will be able to check the correctness of your program offline.


3. Configure Environment Variables: This tells Windows the location of your Java and TYPE files. Note: Include the location of the TYPE package in the CLASSPATH variable. (E.g., the value should be .;C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.6.0_10\jre\lib\ext\type.jar;).


4. Create CMD Shortcut: This will allow you quick access to the Windows command prompt. Right-click the desktop and select "New", then "Shortcut". Type "CMD" as the item location and click "Next". Give the shortcut a name and click "Finish". If you wish, right-click the shortcut icon and select "Properties". In the "Start in" field, type the location of the folder containing your Java programs.


5. Check JDK Configuration: At the command prompt, enter javac. If you see a list of options, the JDK is configured correctly. Otherwise, check that your PATH environment variable was set correctly.


6. Configure eCheck: At the command prompt, enter java Options. If everything is configured properly, you should see the eCheck configuration pane that you saw in the Getting Started Tutorial. Configure this pane as you did before in the lab. Otherwise, check that your CLASSPATH environment variable was set correctly.


7. Choose an Editor: You'll need an editor to create Java programs. In the lab, you'll typically use NEdit, but it's not available for Windows. The textbook CD contains a copy of Crimson. Other editors include ConTEXT, jEdit, Notepad++, and PSPad.


8. TYPE and Java 6 APIs (Optional): These allow you to view the APIs locally (without an Internet connection).

Transferring Files

When working remotely, it might be necessary to access files on your CSE account. You can transfer files to and from your CSE account using FTP client software. Popular programs include Core FTP, FileZilla, and WinSCP. Log in to the FTP server listed above to access your files.

(Thanks to Steven Castellucci for this page.)