Intro to the PopNet and Unix

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Intro to the PopNet and Unix

What is the PopNet?

The PopNet is the Population Research Institute's network of about 50 Sun workstations running the Unix operating system. Each of these workstations has a name, such as "japan" or "india"--our machines are mostly named after countries or important demographers. Three of these machines are in the computer lab in 806 Oswald, but the majority are in the offices of researchers, staff, and students. All the machines are networked together, and the PopNet itself is connected to the campus network and to the Internet.

Unix is a multi-tasking, multi-user, networked operating system. This means that users can run several programs simultaneously on one workstation, can log in on one workstation and run programs on another, and can have access to resources anywhere on the network no matter which workstation they are at. Our Unix workstations are set up to use X-Windows, a network graphical interface somewhat like Macintosh or Microsoft Windows.

Getting Started

Logging on and off - Getting an account - Changing your password - Logging off - Dialing in
Your screen - Using the mouse - Opening menus - Managing windows

Unix

Directories - Home directories - Listing directory contents - Changing directories
Files - File types - Copying files - Moving files - Deleting files - Viewing files
Permissions - Changing permissions - Changing groups
File Compression - Gzip and gunzip - Compressing files for PC - Viewing compressed files

Hardware

Floppy disks - Accessing a floppy disk - Formatting a floppy disk - Ejecting a floppy disk - Viruses
Printing - Available printers - Sending a file to a printer - Checking the printer queue - Cancelling a print job - Changing the default printer - Printing multiple pages per sheet
Remote machines - Opening a remote window - Running programs remotely - Finding available machines