Linux Basics

Using the Command Line

Click here for a link to a tutorial about using the Linux command line.

Sections 1, 2, 3, and 5 provide the most crucial information for getting started.

Transferring files between your personal computer and the Linux workstations

  • Use cloud storage provided by Skidmore: Box (skidmore.box.com) or Microsoft One Drive.
  • Use your own cloud storage service: Google Docs, Apple iCloud, etc.

File Tips

  • Your home directory is available on any CS Linux Workstation (all computers in CIS 237, computers in various places in CIS).
  • View your home directory by opening the file explorer. Click on the folder at the top left of your desktop labeled with your username.
  • Do not use spaces in folder or file names.
  • The files in your home directory are backed up every night.

Adding the Linux Lab Printer to Your Laptop

To print to the MCS Linux Lab Printer, (CS-Lab-Printer), from your laptop, you will need to define the printer with its IP number. The information below should help:

  • Printer Name: CS-Lab-Printer
  • Connection Type: HP JetDirectIP Number: 141.222.36.228
  • Printer: HP LaserJet 4250 with Duplexing
  • Driver: HP LaserJet PS (postscript)

System Preferences — > Print and Fax — > Add Printer

Protocol: HP Jet Direct Socket

Address: 141.222.36.228

Name: CS-Lab-Printer Print

Using: HP LaserJet 4250

Click Add

Check duplex

Click Continue

Start — > Settings — > Printers and faxes

Add Printer — > Next

Choose: local printer attached to this computer

Do not check: automatically detect and install my plug & play printer

Choose: Create a new port

Choose: Standard TCP/IP

Next

Enter: Printer Name or IP Address: 141.222.36.228

Port Name: Will be completed automatically, leave as is.

Next — > Finish

Choose Manufacturer: HP

Printers: HP LaserJet 4250 PS (You may need to click Windows Update to find HP LaserJet 4250)

Next — > Next

Enter Printer Name: CS-Lab-Printer (This is only a suggestion.)

Next — > Next — > Finish

Add - > New

Network Printer: CS-Lab-Printer

LPD/LPR: 141.222.36.228

Print Driver: HP LaserJet 4250

Check duplex

System — > Preferences — > Printing

Choose: New Printer

For Devices: AppSocket/HP JetDirect

Hostname: CS-Lab-Printer

Port number: Leave as default

Click Forward

Choose Select Printer from database

Choose: HP — > Forward

Choose model: LaserJet 4250

Choose default postscript driver (PS)

Click Forward

Name: CS-Lab-Printer

Description: HP LaserJet 4250 with Duplexing

Location: CIS 237

Click Forward — > Apply

How to Change Your Password

  1. Open a terminal window.
  2. Type the command passwd and press the return key.
  3. Type your current password at the prompt and press the return key.
  4. Type your new password at the prompt and press the return key.
  5. Re-type your new password at the prompt and press the return key.

Please note that your new password must be different from any previously used passwords.

If Your Password is Expired

If your cslab password is expired, you will need to set a new password.

You can handle this situation on your own if you remember your cslab password. In this case:

  • Enter your current (expired) cslab password.
  • Follow the prompts to change your password.

If you get a message that your password will expire soon, you should change your password. Use the passwd command in a terminal to change your password.

If you do not remember your cslab password, talk to your instructor about how to get a new password.

The combination for CIS 237, the CS Linux Lab, changes every summer. To get the current combination, open a terminal window and enter combo.