Getting on the Shell
The shell is the primary way to interact with the VU system, and it gives you all sorts of tools beyond simple file storage. You can use the shell from pretty much anywhere there is Internet access.
On Windows, we suggest using PuTTY to get on to VU's shell. Mac OS X users have a built-in terminal that is suitable for connecting without additional software.
The following are very simple directions. For more advanced connection options/settings, take a look at the recommended PuTTY settings, and the guide to using a SSH key with PuTTY so that you can log in without a password.
After you have gotten used to connecting to VU's shell, you might wish to check out the shell basics guide so that you can get started using it.
Connecting on a Mac
This is simple. In the Finder, open Mac HD, go to Applications -> Utilities -> Terminal. Or, using spotlight, you can just type in "Terminal". Launch the application. It'll look something like what is shown below. Type the command: ssh username@users.vu.union.edu where "username" is your own VU login name. The first time you connect, it may ask you a security-related question---just answer "yes".
When you are prompted for your password, you will not see anything happening as you type it. This is normal.
Connecting on Windows
If you choose to simply download "putty.exe" from the author's website, then there is no installation process. You can just open the program and start following the graphical directions below.
First, type in the hostname: users.vu.union.edu and ensure that you are connecting via the "SSH" connection type:
You may receive a security warning that looks similar to the following message. This should only happen the first time you connect to VU. Just press "YES" and agree to continue connecting.
Type in your VU login name and password as shown below:
When you have successfully logged in, you will see a screen that looks similar to the following:
That's it! You're now "on the shell". Check out the shell basics guide to get started using it, or type vu-help to access the VU help pages built into the system.