Editing Remote Access Guide

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Machines running Groovix PAC software can be remotely accessed in two ways, through SSH or VNC. An SSH client emulates the Linux [[xterm]] command line interface while a VNC client mirrors the workstation desktop GUI.

== SSH (Secure Shell) ==
SSH is a network protocol used to pass commands and data securely between two workstations. For SSH administration using two Linux machines, only an [[xterm]] window is necessary. For SSH administration in a Windows environment to a Groovix machine, an SSH client program is needed; one suggestion is [http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/download.html PuTTY], a free, open-source SSH client. 

[[File:SSH-Terminal-1.jpg|600px|thumb|left|An example of an SSH connection window]]
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== Starting an SSH session == 
To start an SSH connection, open an [[xterm]] window and type the command <font class="code">ssh [username]@[IP]</font>, you will be prompted for the password of the [username] used before gaining control of the workstation. 

To start an SSH session in Windows, launch the SSH client on a local machine, enter the IP address of the workstation and click “Open” to be provided with a terminal window similar to [[xterm]] in Linux.


== Ending an SSH session ==
To end an SSH session, type <font class="code">exit</font> and press '''[ENTER]'''.


== Using SSH with multiple workstations ==
When performing work on multiple systems that will all use SSH, it is not necessary to close an existing SSH session and start another for the next workstation. To SSH into another workstation, type <font class="code">ssh [username]@[IP]</font>. If the authenticity cannot be verified, there will be a prompt asking to continue, type yes. Once verified, the [username] password is necessary to gain access to the workstation. When one session becomes multiple workstations deep, typing the <font class="code">exit</font> command will back up one workstation at a time until the original workstation is reached; only at this time will the <font class="code">exit</font> command close the SSH connect and [[xterm]] window.


== Sending commands along with an SSH connection ==
Adding a '|' plus a command after the SSH command will execute the command once the SSH session has been authenticated with the [username] password (ex. <font class="code">ssh root@192.168.0.1 | shutdown -h now</font>).


== VNC Remote Connection ==
VNC (Virtual Network Computing) is a GUI based remote control system. It shows the graphical output of the machine you're connected to while sending your mouse and keyboard inputs in real time.<br /><br />

<div class="dashed-box">When using VNC, it is important to remember that you are taking direct control of the workstation, your display and actions will be shown if the machine you are controlling has its local monitor powered on; keep this in mind before displaying sensitive information/passwords/etc. to the public.</div><br />

There are two ways to initiate a VNC session, through a web browser or VNC client software.


== VNC using a web browser ==
Point your web browser to the workstation’s IP address you want to connect to, a colon and the port number 5820 (ex. <font class="code">192.168.0.1:5820</font>). The browser will display the VNC Authentication page and requires a password before remote controlling can begin.

[[File:VNC-Web-1.jpg|frame|left|VNC web browser connection window]]
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Click the “OK” button to open a window of the workstation’s display (shown below).

[[File:VNC-Web-2.jpg|500px|thumb|left|A VNC connection to a Groovix workstation]]
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== Using VNC client software ==
Launch the VNC client software on a local machine and enter in the IP address of the workstation you want to connect to. The client will display the VNC Authentication page and requires a password before remote controlling can begin. Click on the “OK” button and you will be presented with a window of the workstation’s display. For VNC administration in a Windows environment to a Groovix machine, a VNC client or web browser is needed; one suggestion is [http://www.realvnc.com/products/download.html RealVNC] a free, open-source VNC client.<br /><br />

<div class="dashed-box">Note: When using VNC, if the workstation is not logged in, logging in through VNC closes your connection while it loads the desktop; repeat the same steps to reconnect and resume the VNC session. Some VNC clients have the option to automatically reconnect upon a dropped connection, in these instances, click the “OK” button to resume the session when prompted.</div><br />