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Math & Statistical

Connecting to Unix computers using X-Win32

X-Win32 allows Windows users to connect to Unix computers and run programs (e.g. MATLAB) graphically (unlike telnet). X-Win32 is available to members of the University of Waterloo community for $25 from the CHIP in MC 1052.

Installation

  1. During installation you will need the license code given to you with X-Win32.
  2. Insert the CD-ROM into your computer. The installer will start automatically.
  3. Accept all of the defaults in the installer.

Vista and Windows 7 Update Issue

By default X-Win32 attempts to upgrade every time the software is run. To disable auto-update:

  1. Edit the file %appdata%\StarNet\X-Win32\XServer.config
  2. Modify the file to read as follows:
    3. <Configuration>
<NoAutoUpdate>TRUE</NoAutoUpdate>
</Configuration>

Configuration

  1. You will need to know the name of a Unix server on which you have an account, your login information, and the operating system of the server.
  2. Run X-Win32 by choosing Start | All Programs | X-Win32 2010 then X-Win32
  3. X-Win32 2010 Configuration opens by default. You can also double click on the X Windows Icon in your taskbar to open X-Win32 Configuration
  4. Click on Wizard
    5. X Windows Wizard
  5. Type a name for your session, choose "ssh" from Type, and click Next.
  6. Type the name of your Unix host, and click Next.
    7. X Windows Login
  7. Type your login ID and password, and click Next.
    8. X Windows Platform
  8. Choose the operating system of your unix server from the list. Click Finish
  9. Choose your session from the Configuration window and click Launch.
  10. From the command window, run Unix commands with a graphical display.

Unix systems for students:

Last updated February 15, 2011 by IST Scientific Computing Support.