How do I connect to the Linux Remote Login Service using the CAEN VNC client?

NOTE: To use the Linux Remote Login Service from off-campus locations, you must first connect to the U-M Virtual Private Network (VPN) service.

The CAEN-configured VNC client uses the graphical desktop sharing system, tunneled through SSH, to connect to the CAEN Linux Remote Login Service and simulate the Linux environment in computer labs. These remote access servers are for interactive use only, and should not be used for CPU-intensive and/or background work. Refer to the policy on Appropriate Use of the Linux Remote Login Service.

U-M Duo authentication is also required:


 

Downloading & Installing the VNC Client

The CAEN VNC client is available for the following operating systems:

Windows

Download the VNC client at:

Extract the .zip file, then copy the .exe file to your desktop before opening.

macOS

Download the VNC client at:

Extract the zip file, then copy the .app file to your desktop or Applications folder before opening. Note: Rosetta 2 is also required to run the CAEN VNC Client on newer Apple Silicon Macs (e.g. M1 MacBooks). If it is not already installed, you can run the following command from the terminal, and accept the license terms: softwareupdate --install-rosetta

Linux

While there is not a VNC client available for Linux computers, most Linux operating systems provide a way to connect natively. Refer to the article for: How do I connect to the CAEN VNC servers from my personal Linux computer?

 

Connecting with the VNC Client

After running the client, a login window similar to the following will appear:

VNC Client login window

Enter your U-M uniqname as the Username, your UMICH Password, then select the appropriate Hostname from the drop-down menu:

  • When connecting from an off-campus network, select: login-course.engin.umich.edu
  • When connecting from an on-campus network (excluding U-M VPN networks), select: oncampus-course.engin.umich.edu

The Linux Remote Login Service requires the use of Duo two-factor authentication (2FA). If you already have a Duo code from SMS message or security token, you can enter it into the Duo Choice field. Otherwise, leaving the field set to 1 will tell Duo to send a new code to your first enrolled device.

  • Before clicking the Connect button, you can select the Size of the client window (the default Window - Large option will use 90% of the screen).
  • After clicking the Connect button, you may receive a message similar to what is displayed below. You can disregard this warning, as all network traffic will be encrypted using an SSH connection:

Unencrypted Connection window

After clicking Continue, you should see a typical CAEN Linux login screen, similar to what is displayed on a CAEN lab computer:

Again, enter your U-M uniqname as the Username, and press Enter. Then enter your UMICH password, and click the Sign In button. Once the login process completes, your CAEN Linux desktop should appear.

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Details

Article ID: 4999
Created
Mon 5/3/21 12:22 PM
Modified
Wed 8/30/23 1:58 PM