Cygwin provides a Linux-like environment running under
Windows. It provides an API emulation layer, a collection of powerful
tools that give a Windows user some of the functionality found in Linux.
For users interested in running graphical interactive software remotely
from a *nix environment, it also provides a free X11 windowing server.
Download and run the current setup executable available
here from
Cygwin. You will see the
following intro screen. Click [Next].
The default installation type is "Install from Internet" - this
is fine for the purpose of installing on one computer for the first time.
Click [Next].
The default installation directory of "C:\cygwin" is required.
You will want to leave the "Default Text File Type" as "Unix / Binary" but may
choose to "Install For" all users or just yourself. It is recommended for ease
of access to install for "All Users". Once you have selected the appropriate
values, click [Next].
The "Local Package Directory" is where the installation program
stores the downloaded files ised during installation. You can select any
directory to which you have full access. Click [Next].
The connection type will depend on your network. Most users can use
"Direct Connection" while those requiring a proxy will need to select
"Use HTTP/FTP Proxy". Enter the appropriate settings for your proxy in the
provided boxes. Click [Next].
The default download site for Cygwin should be fine.
Click [Next].
*** VERY IMPORTANT: Click on "Default" next to "X11" to
change the value to "Install". This will provide the required X11 packages
for utilizing graphical aspects of programs written for use in an X11
environment.
SSH NOTE: OpenSSH is not installed with Cygwin by default. Expand
The "Net" category (click on the "+"), and select the openSSH package - several dependencies
will be selected automatically.
There are many packages available for installation. If you would like,
explore the available packages, and when you have selected what you desire,
click [Next].
The download and installation phase should commence. The time
will vary depending on your internet connection.
Upon successful installation, you will be asked where you would like to
place shortcuts. It is very convenient to check both "Create icon on Desktop"
and "Add icon to Start Menu". Click [Finish].
Congratulations! Installation is complete. Click [OK] to move
on to the last step.
For ease of use, you can place a shortcut to the Cygwin X-server.
Navigate to "C:\cygwin\usr\X11R6\bin", right-click on the file "startxwin.bat"
and select "Send To -> Desktop (create shortcut)". You should now see a
shortcut on your desktop to startxwin.bat. Double-click this shortcut to
start the X-server. Once the X-server is started, you should see a black "X"
in your taskbar (near your clock).
If you would like to change the appearance and name of the shortcut, simply
right-click on it, select "Properties" and use the "General" tab to change the
name, and the "Shortcut" tab to change the icon. There are icons provided in
the file "C:\cygwin\usr\X11R6\bin\XWin.exe" - use the "Browse..." button in the "Change Icon" dialog to navigate to and select that file, choosing one of the
two available icons.
Using SSH
To connect to our clusters via SSH and to allow X11 connections, use the
following command in the terminal opened by the startxwin.bat shortcut:
ssh -Y <hostname>.aset.psu.edu
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