	Helix Systems High-Performance Computing at the NIH	Search:

Connecting to the Helix Systems

Connecting with SSH

SSH is an application that provides secure communication between two computers. Using SSH, you can connect to the Helix systems using the following Internet names:

Helix helix.nih.gov

Biowulf biowulf.nih.gov

SSH for PCs

PuTTY is a free ssh client for Windows. See installation instructions at http://helix.nih.gov/Documentation/How_To_Connect/PuTTY/.

X-Win32 is X window software that includes PuTTY, an ssh client for Windows. It is available free to Helix users. For download/installation instructions, see http://helix.nih.gov/Documentation/How_To_Connect/X-Windows/xwin32.html

SSH for Macs

Mac OS X automatically includes ssh software. In a terminal window, type ssh helix.nih.gov to start an ssh session to Helix. If your username on your local system is different from your NIH domain username, you will need to type ssh username@helix.nih.gov

The first time you connect to Helix, you will be asked about the RSA key fingerprint. After this, you will not be asked this question in future sessions. Sample session (user input in bold):

[mymac:~] macuser% ssh user@helix.nih.gov
The authenticity of host 'helix.nih.gov (128.231.2.3)' can't be established.
RSA key fingerprint is e9:87:ba:5b:4b:fd:ca:82:04:79:c1:60:b3:99:95:75.
Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no)? yes
Warning: Permanently added 'helix.nih.gov,128.231.2.3' (RSA) to the
list of known hosts.
                           Notice to Users

This U.S. Government computer system is provided for authorized use
only.  Any and all uses of this system and all files on this system
may be monitored, copied or disclosed by authorized personnel.  The
data on the system may be searched at the request of law enforcement
or other persons, as appropriate, and may be disclosed and used for
disciplinary or civil action or criminal prosecution.  Use of this
computer system constitutes consent to these policies, which may take
precedence over privacy rights.

user@helix.nih.gov's password: enter your NIH domain password here
Last login: Sun Feb  4 13:52:12 2007 from abcd@aa.cc.net
You have new mail.
Mon Feb  5 10:15:16 EST 2007
<helix>41%

SSH for Linux

Linux automatically includes SSH software. In a terminal window, type ssh username@helix.nih.gov to start an ssh session to Helix, where username is your Helix (and NIH domain) username. A sample session will be exactly like the Mac session displayed above.

Connecting with X-windows emulation software

X-windows software allows users the ability to run graphics applications remotely & display their graphics locally. All Unix Workstations are capable of X-windows display by default, Mac/PC users will need to install an X-windows emulator. We provide free X-windows emulation software (Mac and PC) for helix users which can be found at http://helix.nih.gov/Documentation/How_To_Connect/X-Windows/.

Disconnecting

To disconnect, type 'logout' at the prompt.

Other Ways to Connect

The NIH Remote Access site (http://remoteaccess.nih.gov) has information about DSL, Cable Modem, iPass, ISDN and VPN connections. Once the connection is set up, users should open an ssh connection to helix.nih.gov. A VPN account or other local login will be required to access NIH-limited resources such as Matlab, Mascot or to connect to Biowulf.