Unix servers
As announced in the February 2005 issue of the LIS Newsletter, we have introduced restrictions on access to our main Unix servers. Terminal access to the main village servers has been withdrawn, and if you want to run applications from the Unix command line you will need to log in with a Secure Shell client to a new terminal server. Since most users never need to use terminal access or the Unix command line, the changes only affect a minority.
At the same time we withdrew Telnet altogether. If you want terminal access to the new terminal server you will need to use a Secure Shell client with support for SSH2 (version 2 of the SSH protocol).
Most of the functions that depended on terminal access to the Unix servers are now provided through the web (or will be shortly). Those who do need terminal access should contact the IT Service Desk, giving a brief explanation of why they need it. Anyone with a reasonable need for the service will of course be permitted to continue to use it. The aim of the change is to remove the privilege from the majority of users who never make use of it, and to ensure that those who continue to use it do so in a secure manner.
These changes will not affect your ability to access files in your networked filespace (known as your "home directory"). Access to your files will still be possible in a number of ways:
- Using the H drive in the PC classrooms.
- Using a File Transfer (FTP) program to connect to your home server .
- If you are granted the right to log on with SSH to the new terminal server you will be able to access the files in your home directory from the Unix command line .
- If you use Webmail or other IMAP email clients your saved messages will be stored in folders in your home directory and will be accessible through your email program.
Further Information
- Further details and explanation of these changes.
- SSH client software
- Web-based services replacing common functions previously carried out in terminal sessions on the Unix servers.
