X Server Software Info
What is an X Server:
This is a program that runs on your workstation/desktop OS that 'listens' for X-Window transmissions sent from the cluster and redisplays these on your workstation. These transmissions are generated by an application running on a host that you are connected to. For example, if you intend to use Ansys on the cluster, you need to display the Ansys gui interface locally on your desktop.
What is the best supported option for A&S users?
Contact via email , staff@asunix.tuftstts-research@tufts.edu with your request for X11 support. Someone will get in touch with you to make arrangements for assessment and possible installation.
What X server is needed for WinXP Windows desktops?
There are many free and commercial X server programs. Cygwin is one of the free choices that works but has a more involved installation. Commercial options include Exceed, XWin32.
Cygwin X server for Windows
If I want to install Cygwin myself, where do I get Cygwin?
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A clock should appear on your desktop.
Mac X11
What X server is needed for a Mac?
An X server is either provided with Mac OS X (X11 in newer versions) or when you install the Mac X developement tools (older versions).
How can I check to see if my X server is working on my Mac?
Open up the terminal application on the Mac. At the command line type xlogo. If a small window shows up with an X in it you know X11 is working.
What happens if that doesn't work?
At the command line type xterm to start up the x11 specific terminal. If a second terminal window shows up, try the xlogo command. This will indicate that you have X installed.
What if X11 is not installed on your Mac?
Depending on the version of the operating system it is available from the installation DVD. For latest releases of OS X it is available from xquartz.macosforge.org as a package. You may also try Apple App Store.
How do I test my installation and cluster X connection?
Once you login to the cluster, type xlogo at the command line just like you did locally on the Mac. If a window with an X shows up you know X11 between the Mac and the cluster is working.
Linux X info
What X server is needed for a desktop linux user?
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Sometimes I get X11 related errors about the .Xauthority file, what to do?
All accounts have home directories with 500mb quotas. If you are near the limit and try to login or use X based software, you may not be able to. Clean up by deleting some files, also delete the .Xauthority file, logout and back in and you should be all set.
How do I view pdf files on the cluster?
Use the X11 based program evince. It is already in your PATH.
I get an error about Mathematica missing fonts,etc... What does this mean?
The cluster does not provide a Font Server supporting Mathematica font sets. Whereas a local install of Mathematica on your desktop includes this font set. Remote users need to provide access to the fonts locally.
For linux desktops, the easy way is to obtain the Mathematica helper program called, Mathematica Player. You may download this from the vendor website. Before you start Mathematica on the cluster for display on your computer, start the helper program locally. This will provide the font support.
For MacOSx desktops you need to either install Mathematica or the Mathematica Player and then point to the installed fonts. For example if you have Mathematica installed, to use it's fonts, open a terminal window(shell) and type:
> xset fp+ /Applications/Mathematica.app/SystemFiles/Fonts/Type1/
> xset fp rehash
Assuming that is the path to the fonts.
Then connect to the cluster and start Mathematica normally.