Difference between revisions of "Tutorial 1: Using Your Matrix Server Account"

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{{Admon/caution|DO NOT USE THIS VERSION OF THE LAB. This page will no longer be updated.|'''New version here:''' https://seneca-ictoer.github.io/ULI101/A-Tutorials/tutorial1<br />'''Andrew's students please go here:''' http://wiki.littlesvr.ca/wiki/OPS145_Lab_1}}
 
=USING YOUR MATRIX SERVER ACCOUNT=
 
=USING YOUR MATRIX SERVER ACCOUNT=
<br>
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===Main Objectives of this Tutorial===
===Main Objectives of this Practice Tutorial===
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* Learn how to access your '''Matrix''' server account (from home and/or from Seneca computer lab).
 
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* Learn several ways to '''exit''' your Matrix Linux Account session.
 
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* Understand the '''Linux command structure''' and how to get '''help''' with Linux command usage.
:* Learn how to access your '''Matrix''' server account from a '''remote''' computer.
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* Become efficient with '''Linux command line editing''' by using '''short-cut keys'''.
 
+
* Issue a '''checking program''' (i.e. ''Shell Script'') to '''confirm''' that you accessed your Matrix account.
:* Learn several ways to '''exit''' your Matrix Linux Account session.
+
* Perform '''LINUX PRACTICE QUESTIONS''' for additional practice.
 
 
:* Understand the '''Linux command structure''' and how to get '''help''' with Linux command usage.
 
 
 
:* Become efficient with '''Linux command line editing''' by using '''short-cut keys'''.
 
 
 
:* Issue a '''checking program''' (i.e. ''Shell Script'') to '''confirm''' that you accessed your Matrix account.
 
 
 
:* Perform '''LINUX PRACTICE QUESTIONS''' for additional practice<br><br>
 
  
 
===Tutorial Reference Material===
 
===Tutorial Reference Material===
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|- valign="top" style="padding-left:15px;"
 
|- valign="top" style="padding-left:15px;"
  
|colspan="2" |Slides:<ul><li>'''Week 1 Lecture 1 Notes:<br>''' [[Media:ULI101-Week1.1.pdf | PDF]] | [https://matrix.senecacollege.ca/~chris.johnson/ULI101/ULI101-Week1.1.pptx PPTX]<br>'''Week 1 Lecture 2 Notes:<br>''' [[Media:ULI101-Week1.2.pdf | PDF]] | [https://matrix.senecacollege.ca/~jason.carman/slides/ULI101-Week1.2.pptx PPTX] <br>'''</li></ul>Tutorials:<ul><li>[https://wiki.cdot.senecacollege.ca/wiki/Tutorial_1:_Using_Your_Matrix_Server_Account#INVESTIGATION_1:_ACCESSING_YOUR_MATRIX_LINUX_ACCOUNT HOWTO: Access Your Matrix Account]</li><li>[http://czegel.com/seneca/uli101/lectures/Lecture1.html Les Czegel's Week 1 Notes (HTML)]</li></ul>Windows SSH client Software:<ul><li>[http://www.sfsu.edu/ftp/win/ssh/SSHSecureShellClient-3.2.9.exe SSH/SFTP]</li><li>[https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html Putty]</li><li>[https://www.bitvise.com/ssh-client-download Bitvise SSH Client]</li><li>[https://mobaxterm.mobatek.net/download-home-edition.html MovaXterm]</li></ul>
+
|colspan="2" |'''Slides:'''<ul><li>Week 1 Lecture 1 Notes:<br> [https://wiki.cdot.senecacollege.ca/uli101/slides/ULI101-1.1.pdf PDF] | [https://wiki.cdot.senecacollege.ca/uli101/slides/ULI101-1.1.pptx PPTX]</li><li>Week 1 Lecture 2 Notes:<br> [https://wiki.cdot.senecacollege.ca/uli101/slides/ULI101-1.2.pdf PDF] | [https://wiki.cdot.senecacollege.ca/uli101/slides/ULI101-1.2.pptx PPTX] <br></li></ul>'''Tutorials:'''<ul><li>[https://wiki.cdot.senecacollege.ca/wiki/Tutorial_1:_Using_Your_Matrix_Server_Account#INVESTIGATION_1:_ACCESSING_YOUR_MATRIX_LINUX_ACCOUNT HOWTO: Access Your Matrix Account]</li></ul>'''Windows SSH client Software:'''<ul><li>[http://www.sfsu.edu/ftp/win/ssh/SSHSecureShellClient-3.2.9.exe SSH/SFTP]</li><li>[https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html Putty]</li><li>[https://www.bitvise.com/ssh-client-download Bitvise SSH Client]</li><li>[https://mobaxterm.mobatek.net/download-home-edition.html MovaXterm]</li></ul>
  
|  style="padding-left:15px;" |Matrix Account Access
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|  style="padding-left:15px;" |'''Matrix Account Access:'''
 
*[https://ss64.com/bash/logout.html logout , exit]<br>
 
*[https://ss64.com/bash/logout.html logout , exit]<br>
 
*[https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-typing-Ctrl+C-and-Ctrl+D-in-the-Linux-terminal &lt;ctrl&gt;&lt;d&gt;]
 
*[https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-typing-Ctrl+C-and-Ctrl+D-in-the-Linux-terminal &lt;ctrl&gt;&lt;d&gt;]
 
*[http://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man1/passwd.1.html passwd]<br>
 
*[http://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man1/passwd.1.html passwd]<br>
Command Line Editing
+
'''Command Line Editing:'''
 
*[https://www.ostechnix.com/list-useful-bash-keyboard-shortcuts/ Bash Shell Shortcut Keys]<br>
 
*[https://www.ostechnix.com/list-useful-bash-keyboard-shortcuts/ Bash Shell Shortcut Keys]<br>
|  style="padding-left:15px;"|General Linux Commands
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|  style="padding-left:15px;"|'''General Linux Commands:'''
 
*[http://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man1/pwd.1.html pwd]<br>
 
*[http://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man1/pwd.1.html pwd]<br>
 
*[http://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man1/cd.1p.html cd]<br>
 
*[http://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man1/cd.1p.html cd]<br>
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|colspan="1" style="padding-left:15px;" width="30%"|Brauer Instructional Videos:<ul><li>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5RcOngDV_o Connecting to Matrix Using SSH Client, and Running UBUNTU Within Windows 10]<br><br></li><li>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wZmZOKLllk&list=PLU1b1f-2Oe90TuYfifnWulINjMv_Wr16N&index=2 Linux File System, Basic Navigation (ls, cd, pwd, tree), Absolute and Relative Paths]</li></ul>
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|colspan="1" style="padding-left:15px;" width="30%"|'''Brauer Instructional Videos:'''<ul><li>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5RcOngDV_o Connecting to Matrix Using SSH Client, and Running UBUNTU Within Windows 10]<br><br></li><li>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wZmZOKLllk&list=PLU1b1f-2Oe90TuYfifnWulINjMv_Wr16N&index=2 Linux File System, Basic Navigation (ls, cd, pwd, tree), Absolute and Relative Paths]</li></ul>
  
 
|}
 
|}
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= KEY CONCEPTS=
 
= KEY CONCEPTS=
  
===Purpose of Having a Matrix Linux Server Account===
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===Purpose of Your Student Account on Matrix===
  
 
While attending Seneca College, you will be using many different computer systems.
 
While attending Seneca College, you will be using many different computer systems.
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|-
 
|-
| style="padding-left:0px;width:10%" |'''my.senecacollege.ca'''
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| style="padding-left:0px;width:10%" |'''learn.senecacollege.ca'''
 
| style="padding-left:15px;width:65%" |Learning Content Management System (''Link to Resources'' / ''Student Grades'' / ''Online Quizzes'')
 
| style="padding-left:15px;width:65%" |Learning Content Management System (''Link to Resources'' / ''Student Grades'' / ''Online Quizzes'')
 
|-
 
| style="padding-left:0px;width:10%" |'''ict.senecacollege.ca'''
 
| style="padding-left:15px;width:65%" |Online access to slides, documents via webpage links
 
  
 
|-
 
|-
 
| style="padding-left:0px;width:10%" |'''wiki.cdot.senecacollege.ca'''
 
| style="padding-left:0px;width:10%" |'''wiki.cdot.senecacollege.ca'''
| style="padding-left:15px;width:65%" |''Student Notes'' / ''Tutorials'' (weekly, review) / ''Practice Questions'' / ''Resources''
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| style="padding-left:15px;width:65%" |''Lecture Notes'' / ''Tutorials'' (weekly, review) / ''Practice Questions'' / ''Additional Learning Resources''
  
 
|-
 
|-
 
| style="padding-left:0px;width:10%" |'''<span style="color:blue;">matrix.senecacollege.ca</span>'''
 
| style="padding-left:0px;width:10%" |'''<span style="color:blue;">matrix.senecacollege.ca</span>'''
| style="padding-left:15px;width:65%" |Linux Account for "''hands-on Practice''"
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| style="padding-left:15px;width:65%" |Matrix is our Linux server environment used for "''hands-on practice''". Each ULI101 student has an account on this server.
  
 
|}
 
|}
  
 +
[[Image:cli-prompt.png|thumb|right|120px|A '''shell''' is an interface / interpreter to allow a user to communicate with the Linux computer system. ]]
 +
Although you need to study concepts throughout this course (slides, etc.), you will also need to get '''hands-on practice running Linux commands as well as performing and submitting online tutorials'''.
  
[[Image:cli-prompt.png|thumb|right|120px|A '''shell''' is an interface / interpreter to allow a user to communicate with the Linux computer system. ]]
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This requires that you '''connect to a Linux server''' (Matrix) and become comfortable '''issuing Linux commands'''.
Although you need to study concepts throughout this course (slides, etc.), you will also need to get '''hands-on practice running Linux commands as well as performing and submitting online tutorials'''.<br>This requires that you '''connect to a Linux server''' and become comfortable with '''issuing Linux commands'''.
 
  
 
In Unix/Linux, a '''shell''' is simply an '''interface''' to allow a user to communicate with the Linux computer system (server). Linux shells have evolved (improved) over a period of time. You will be using the '''Bash Shell''' which is considered to be ''user-friendly''. By understanding how to issue Linux commands, you can create a file that contains Linux commands (called a '''shell script''') later in this course to automate tasks to make you a more '''productive''' Linux user and system administrator.
 
In Unix/Linux, a '''shell''' is simply an '''interface''' to allow a user to communicate with the Linux computer system (server). Linux shells have evolved (improved) over a period of time. You will be using the '''Bash Shell''' which is considered to be ''user-friendly''. By understanding how to issue Linux commands, you can create a file that contains Linux commands (called a '''shell script''') later in this course to automate tasks to make you a more '''productive''' Linux user and system administrator.
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:* Issuing '''Linux commands'''
 
:* Issuing '''Linux commands'''
 
:* Becoming productive using the Linux '''command prompt''' ('''shell''')
 
:* Becoming productive using the Linux '''command prompt''' ('''shell''')
:* Performing '''Linux Tutorials''' ('''11''')
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:* Performing '''Linux Tutorials''' ('''11 Weekly Tutorials x 2% = 22% of your final grade''')
 
:* Performing '''Linux Practice Questions'''
 
:* Performing '''Linux Practice Questions'''
:* Performing '''Review Tutorial Questions''' ('''2''')
+
:* Performing '''Review Tutorial''' ('''8 Sections x 1% = 8% of your final grade''')
  
 
===Connecting to the Seneca Student VPN===
 
===Connecting to the Seneca Student VPN===
 
[[Image:gp1.png|thumb|right|130px|'''Seneca Student VPN''' ]]
 
[[Image:gp1.png|thumb|right|130px|'''Seneca Student VPN''' ]]
  
Seneca College is "rolling-out" additional measures to improve '''network security'''. One of these measures is to implement '''multi-factored authentication'''. As of '''September 2020''', all Seneca College students are required to connect to the '''Seneca Student VPN''' in order to be able to connect to their '''Matrix''' Linux account.<br><br>''<b>Multi-factor authentication</b> is an electronic authentication method in which a computer user is granted access to a website or application only after successfully presenting two or more pieces of evidence (or factors) to an authentication mechanism: knowledge (something the user and only the user knows).'' Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-factor_authentication<br><br>You should have received an email message (also available in course announcements) regarding how to setup your Smart Phone to connect and valid via the Seneca Student VPN. '''NOTE:''' If you haven't done this yet, please perform the steps provided in the following link:<br>https://students.senecacollege.ca/spaces/186/it-services/wiki/view/1025/student-vpn<br><br>
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All Seneca College students are required to connect to the '''Seneca Student VPN''' in order to be able to connect to their '''Matrix''' Linux account when outside of campus as a '''network security''' measure. The Seneca Student VPN uses multi-factor authentication (MFA) when logging in to verify you are who you say you are.
 +
 
 +
''<b>Multi-factor authentication</b> is an electronic authentication method in which a computer user is granted access to a website or application only after successfully presenting two or more pieces of evidence (or factors) to an authentication mechanism: knowledge (something the user and only the user knows).'' Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-factor_authentication
 +
 
 +
You should have received an e-mail message with instructions on how to set up your smartphone for multi-factor authentication. If you haven't installed it yet, please do so by following the ITS instructions here: https://students.senecacollege.ca/spaces/186/it-services/wiki/view/1025/student-vpn
 
   
 
   
In the next investigation, you will learn how to '''connect''' to and '''login''' to your Matrix server account from a remote computer<br>such as your '''home desktop computer''', '''laptop''' or '''tablet''' computer.<br><br>
+
In the next investigation, you will learn how to '''connect''' to and '''login''' to your Matrix server account from a remote computer such as your '''home desktop computer''', '''laptop''' or '''tablet''' computer.
  
 
===Connecting to Your Matrix Account===
 
===Connecting to Your Matrix Account===
[[Image:cli-prompt.png|right|80px|]]
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[[Image:cls-shell.png|thumb|right|100px|Connect to Matrix via'''ssh''' command]]
After connecting to the Seneca Student VPN, you can open a '''command terminal'''<br>in your '''Newer Windows 10''', '''Mac''' or '''Linux''' computer and issue the following command:<br><br><span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;">ssh senecauserid@matrix.senecacollege.ca</span><br><br>
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There are two basic methods to connecting to your Matrix account.
[[Image:ssh-application-icon.png|right|80px|]]
+
 
You can also click on the following link to '''download''' and '''install''' a graphical SSH application for your Windows machine:<br>https://www.sfsu.edu/ftp/win/ssh/SSHSecureShellClient-3.2.9.exe<br><br>
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'''Method 1: Run ssh Command from command prompt:'''
 +
 
 +
:After connecting to the '''Seneca Student VPN''', you can open a '''command terminal''' in '''Windows 10 (or above)''', '''Mac''' or '''Linux''' computer and issue the following command:
 +
: <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;">ssh senecauserid@matrix.senecacollege.ca</span>
 +
 
 +
[[Image:ssh-main-window.png|thumb|right|100px|Connect to Matrix via '''graphical''' SSH Program ]]
 +
'''Method 2: Run graphical ssh program via MyApps in Seneca computer lab:'''
 +
 
 +
:If you are in a Seneca computer lab, you can use MyApps to run a '''graphical SSH application''' for your Windows machine. One advantage of using this method is that you are already at Seneca and are NOT required to connect to the student VPN.
 +
 
 +
'''NOTE:''' You instructor may show you how to run a graphic Linux VM in order to connect to your Matrix account (if interested, refer to the optional tutorial at the end of this semester).
  
 
=INVESTIGATION 1: ACCESSING YOUR MATRIX LINUX ACCOUNT=
 
=INVESTIGATION 1: ACCESSING YOUR MATRIX LINUX ACCOUNT=
 
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{{Admon/important|ATTENTION: This weekly tutorial must be completed by ''Friday at 11:59pm in Week 2'' to obtain a grade of ''2%'' towards this course.|It is essential that you complete these Weekly Tutorials fully and on time. These are your major learning tool in the course. There are no late marks.}}
<span style="color:red;">'''ATTENTION''': Effective '''May 9, 2022''' - this online tutorial will be required to be completed by<br>'''Friday in week 2 by midnight''' to obtain a grade of '''2%''' towards this course</span><br><br>
 
  
 
In this section, you will learn how to access your Matrix Linux account by two different methods:
 
In this section, you will learn how to access your Matrix Linux account by two different methods:
  
:* From your <u>home</u> computer <br>
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:* From your '''home computer''' <br>
:* From a <u>workstation</u> '''within''' a '''Seneca College lab via MyApps'''
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:* From a '''workstation in a Seneca College''' lab via '''MyApps'''
  
 
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===METHOD 1: CONNECTING TO YOUR MATRIX ACCOUNT FROM YOUR HOME COMPUTER===
===CONNECTING TO YOUR MATRIX ACCOUNT FROM YOUR HOME COMPUTER===
 
  
 
[[Image:gp1.png|thumb|right|130px|The '''Seneca Student VPN''' service must be connected.]]
 
[[Image:gp1.png|thumb|right|130px|The '''Seneca Student VPN''' service must be connected.]]
 
You will now learn a quick and simple method of connecting to your Matrix account by opening<br>a text-based '''terminal''' (in any OS) and issuing the '''ssh command'''.<br><br>
 
You will now learn a quick and simple method of connecting to your Matrix account by opening<br>a text-based '''terminal''' (in any OS) and issuing the '''ssh command'''.<br><br>
  
'''Perform the Following Steps:'''
+
'''Perform the Following Steps:'''  
# Before proceeding, make certain that your '''Seneca Student VPN is connected'''.<br><br>If you haven't set this up, refer to the following link for instructions;<br>https://students.senecacollege.ca/spaces/186/it-services/wiki/view/1025/student-vpn<br><br>'''NOTE:''' You only have to connect to your Seneca student VPN once during the day,<br>or while you are logged into your computer.<br><br>
+
# If you want to connect to your Matrix account from home, you MUST first connect to the Seneca Student VPN.<br>Make certain that your '''Seneca Student VPN is connected'''.<br><br>'''NOTE:''' If you haven't set this up, refer to the following link for instructions;<br>https://students.senecacollege.ca/spaces/186/it-services/wiki/view/1025/student-vpn<br><br>You only have to connect to your Seneca student VPN once during the day,<br>or while you are logged into your computer.<br><br>
 
# Determine which '''operating system''' that your computer is using.<br><br>
 
# Determine which '''operating system''' that your computer is using.<br><br>
 
# Try connecting to your Matrix account using the instructions in the '''table''' below based on <u>your</u> '''current operating system'''.<br><br>
 
# Try connecting to your Matrix account using the instructions in the '''table''' below based on <u>your</u> '''current operating system'''.<br><br>
 
<table style="margin-left:50px;">
 
<table style="margin-left:50px;">
 
   <tr valign="top" style="text-align:center;">
 
   <tr valign="top" style="text-align:center;">
     <th>'''Newer Version of Windows 10:'''</th>
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     <th>'''Windows 10 (or above):'''</th>
     <th>'''MacOSX:''' </th>
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     <th>'''macOS:''' </th>
 
     <th>'''Linux:''' </th>
 
     <th>'''Linux:''' </th>
 
   </tr>
 
   </tr>
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'''NOTE:''' You should notice that the you are disconnected and that the original terminal window has '''automatically closed'''.<br><br></li><li>Try accessing your Matrix account, and then exiting your Matrix account several times to become familiar with this process.<br><br>You will now learn an '''alternative method''' to access your Matrix account (if you have an MS Windows machine)<br>by downloading and running a graphical SSH application.</li></ol><br>
 
'''NOTE:''' You should notice that the you are disconnected and that the original terminal window has '''automatically closed'''.<br><br></li><li>Try accessing your Matrix account, and then exiting your Matrix account several times to become familiar with this process.<br><br>You will now learn an '''alternative method''' to access your Matrix account (if you have an MS Windows machine)<br>by downloading and running a graphical SSH application.</li></ol><br>
  
 +
===METHOD 2: CONNECTING TO YOUR MATRIX ACCOUNT FROM SENECA COMPUTER LAB===
  
 +
<span style="color:red;font-weight:bold;">NOTE: This section requires you have access to a Seneca computer lab on campus.<br>If you don't have access to a Seneca computer lab this semester, then you can skip this section</span><br><br>
  
===CONNECTING TO YOUR MATRIX ACCOUNT FROM SENECA COMPUTER LAB===
+
You can also connect to your Matrix server account in the '''Seneca Computer lab via MyApps'''.<br><br>
 
+
One advantage of this method is that your are at the college; therefore, '''you do NOT have to worry about connecting to the Seneca VPN'''. Another advantage of using this method is to introduce you to a '''graphical program''' to allow you connect to your Matrix account as opposed to using the '''ssh''' command (shown in the previous section).<br>
You can also connect to your Matrix server account from your Seneca Computer lab via MyApps.<br><br>
 
One advantage of this method is that your are at the college; therefore, you do NOT have to worry about connecting to the Seneca VPN.<br><br>
 
Another advantage of using this method is to introduce you to a graphical program to allow you connect to your Matrix account as opposed to using the '''ssh''' command (shown in the previous section).<br><br>
 
  
===Part 2: Access your Matrix Account from a Seneca College Lab ===
 
 
[[Image:apps-anywhere-main-window.png|thumb|right|250px|'''MyApps''' ('''AppsAnywhere''') Main Window ]]
 
[[Image:apps-anywhere-main-window.png|thumb|right|250px|'''MyApps''' ('''AppsAnywhere''') Main Window ]]
You will learn how to connect to your Matrix Linux account from a workstation in your computer labs at Seneca college.
+
This method would also be useful if you do '''not''' have a home (notebook) computer and have access to a Seneca computer lab workstation.<br><br>
 
 
This would be useful if you do not have a notebook computer and are required to use one of the workstations available in your Seneca computer lab.
 
  
 
'''MyApps''' ('''AppsAnywhere''') is an application streaming service that lets you install software on any Seneca PC on demand. Any software application on the MyApps menu can be used on computers in classrooms, labs, and the Computing Commons.
 
'''MyApps''' ('''AppsAnywhere''') is an application streaming service that lets you install software on any Seneca PC on demand. Any software application on the MyApps menu can be used on computers in classrooms, labs, and the Computing Commons.
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You will now use MyApps on your Windows workstation in your Seneca lab room to launch an application<br>to allow you to connect and login to your Matrix server account.
+
You will now use '''MyApps''' on your Windows workstation in your Seneca lab room to launch an application<br>to allow you to connect and login to your Matrix server account.
 
[[Image:apps-anywhere.png|thumb|right|250px|Several SSH applications will appear. We will use the application called '''SSH Client''' for this practice tutorial. ]]
 
[[Image:apps-anywhere.png|thumb|right|250px|Several SSH applications will appear. We will use the application called '''SSH Client''' for this practice tutorial. ]]
  
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# Start your workstation in your lab and login to your Seneca Windows account.<br><br>
 
# Start your workstation in your lab and login to your Seneca Windows account.<br><br>
# Make certain that the '''MyApps''' window is open. This window should have opened shortly after you logged into your Windows workstation. If the application windows is not open, click on the '''MyApps''' icon on the desktop to launch).<br><br>[[Image:ssh-main-window.png|thumb|right|150px|SSH Client Application Window ]]
+
# Make certain that the '''MyApps''' window is open. This window should have opened shortly after you logged into your Windows workstation. If the application windows is not open, click on the '''MyApps''' icon on the desktop to launch).<br><br>[[Image:ssh-main-window.png|thumb|right|150px|SSH Client Application Window ]]<span style="color:red;font-weight:bold;">NOTE: You may be required to validate in order to use MyApps correctly. If you see near the top of the screen "requires validation", then click on that area to connect to validate.</span><br><br>
 
# Click on the '''Search Apps''' area located in the top right corner of the MyApps window and type the word: <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold">ssh</span><br><br>
 
# Click on the '''Search Apps''' area located in the top right corner of the MyApps window and type the word: <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold">ssh</span><br><br>
 
# Several SSH applications will appear. <br><br>'''NOTE:''' All of these applications allow you to connect to your Matrix account.<br>We will use the application called '''SSH Secure Shell Client''' for this practice tutorial.<br><br>
 
# Several SSH applications will appear. <br><br>'''NOTE:''' All of these applications allow you to connect to your Matrix account.<br>We will use the application called '''SSH Secure Shell Client''' for this practice tutorial.<br><br>
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# Next, a dialog box will appear prompting you for your Matrix account password in order to gain entry to your Matrix account. Your Matrix password is identical to your Seneca password. As you type the password, the text will be blocked-out or hidden to prevent others from viewing the screen to obtain your password[[Image:ssh-authentication-response.png|thumb|right|150px|Authentication Response Dialog Box ]]<br><br>
 
# Next, a dialog box will appear prompting you for your Matrix account password in order to gain entry to your Matrix account. Your Matrix password is identical to your Seneca password. As you type the password, the text will be blocked-out or hidden to prevent others from viewing the screen to obtain your password[[Image:ssh-authentication-response.png|thumb|right|150px|Authentication Response Dialog Box ]]<br><br>
 
# Enter your password and click '''OK''' or press '''ENTER'''<br><br>[[Image:ssh-login-error.png|thumb|right|150px|SSH Login Error ]]
 
# Enter your password and click '''OK''' or press '''ENTER'''<br><br>[[Image:ssh-login-error.png|thumb|right|150px|SSH Login Error ]]
# Click '''OK''' or press '''ENTER''' at the '''Authentication Response''' dialog box.<br><br>'''NOTE:''' If you encounter an '''error message''', this can occur for several reasons:<ol><li>You mis-spelled the '''name of the server'''</li><li>You mis-spelled your Matrix '''username''' (same username that you connect to my.senecacollege.ca)</li><li>You have '''CAPS LOCK''' on by mistake (your username should be '''lowercase''' only).</li><li>You mis-spelled your '''password''' (same password that you connect to my.senecacollege.ca)</li></ol><br>If you encountered an error logging in, issue the same steps to connect to your Matrix account,<br>but carefully check your server name, username and your password. If you continue to experience the same problems,<br>you can go to the computer help desk in the learning commons to get help.<br><br>[[Image:ssh-shell-window.png|thumb|right|150px|Matrix Shell Command Line Interface ]]
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# Click '''OK''' or press '''ENTER''' at the '''Authentication Response''' dialog box.<br><br>'''NOTE:''' If you encounter an '''error message''', this can occur for several reasons:<ol><li>You mis-spelled the '''name of the server'''</li><li>You mis-spelled your Matrix '''username''' (same username that you connect to my.senecacollege.ca)</li><li>You have '''CAPS LOCK''' on by mistake (your username should be '''lowercase''' only).</li><li>You mis-spelled your '''password''' (same password that you connect to my.senecacollege.ca)</li></ol><br>If you continue to experience the same problems, click on the following link for IT service desk contact info: <br>[https://students.senecacollege.ca/spaces/190/support/wiki/view/1473/contact-its '''IT service desk'''].<br><br>[[Image:ssh-shell-window.png|thumb|right|150px|Matrix Shell Command Line Interface ]]
#If you entered your password correctly, the main SSH Linux shell should appear where you enter Linux commands.<br><br>The '''Matrix''' server has been configured to allow users to '''only interact with the Linux OS by issuing commands'''. There are various reasons for this, but the main 2 reasons are to '''force students to learn how to issue Linux commands''' as well as '''limitations to remote access to a graphical Linux server''' due to large number of users (students).<br><br>Later in the course, your instructor may demonstrate other ways of accessing '''graphical versions of Linux''', and how to launch a shell terminal.<br><br>[[Image:ssh-settings-window.png|thumb|right|150px|SSH Settings Dialog Box ]]
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#If you entered your password correctly, the main SSH Linux shell should appear where you enter Linux commands.<br><br>The '''Matrix''' server has been configured to allow users to '''only interact with the Linux OS by issuing commands'''. There are various reasons for this, but the main 2 reasons are to '''force students to learn how to issue Linux commands''' as well as '''limitations to remote access to a graphical Linux server''' due to large number of users (students).<br><br>[[Image:ssh-settings-window.png|thumb|right|150px|SSH Settings Dialog Box ]]
  
 
You can '''configure''' the SSH application to adjust elements such as the '''window size''' and '''text font type''' and text '''font size'''. We will be showing you how to configure your SSH Secure Shell Client, but the other applications can allow you to configure their settings.<br><br>
 
You can '''configure''' the SSH application to adjust elements such as the '''window size''' and '''text font type''' and text '''font size'''. We will be showing you how to configure your SSH Secure Shell Client, but the other applications can allow you to configure their settings.<br><br>
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# It is recommended to repeat these steps with connecting to your Matrix account from a Seneca lab workstation until you become comfortable with the process.<br><br>
 
# It is recommended to repeat these steps with connecting to your Matrix account from a Seneca lab workstation until you become comfortable with the process.<br><br>
  
In the next section, you will learn how to connect to your Matrix server account from a different computer<br>(for example: your laptop computer at Seneca College or your computer at home).<br><br>
+
In the next investigation, you will learn how to issue Linux commands from the command prompt (referred to as the "shell"), learn how to get help with Linux commands, use command-line editing short cut keys, and run a program to confirm that you connected to your Matrix account in order to get marks for this online tutorial.
  
 
=INVESTIGATION 2: USING THE LINUX SHELL =
 
=INVESTIGATION 2: USING THE LINUX SHELL =
 
<br>
 
 
In this investigation, you will learn how to use the Linux Shell. Topics in the section include:
 
In this investigation, you will learn how to use the Linux Shell. Topics in the section include:
  
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:* Learn how to get '''help''' for Linux commands via the '''online manual''' (i.e. '''man''' command).
 
:* Learn how to get '''help''' for Linux commands via the '''online manual''' (i.e. '''man''' command).
 
:* Perform '''Basic Shell Editing'''
 
:* Perform '''Basic Shell Editing'''
:* Issue a '''program''' to confirm that you connected to your Matrix account<br><br>
+
:* Issue a '''program''' to confirm that you connected to your Matrix account
  
The Bash shell in Matrix allows you to interact with your Matrix account by issuing commands.
+
==Linux Command Structure==
  
'''The General Linux Command Structure is as follows:'''<br><span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">command argument1 argument2 ... </span>
+
The Bash shell allows you to interact with Linux by typing commands.
  
Some Linux commands can be issued by entering the Linux command line without arguments (e.g. '''pwd''', '''date''', '''ls''', '''cal'''),<br>but many Linux commands can be issued with arguments (e.g. '''cal 2002''', '''cd /bin''', '''ls -l -a /bin''' ).<br><br>
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'''The basic Linux command structure is as follows:'''
'''What Does an Argument Represent?'''
 
  
An '''argument''' can respresent:
+
<span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">command argument1 argument2 ... </span>
:* a '''file pathname'''
 
:* a command '''option'''
 
:* a series of characters (i.e. '''text''') that the command can use
 
  
An '''argument''' is <u>separated</u> from a command (or from other arguments) by a '''SPACE''', '''MULTIPLE SPACES''' or a '''TAB'''.<br><br>
+
Some Linux commands can be used as-is (e.g. '''pwd''', '''date''', '''ls''', '''cal'''), but many Linux commands can also be issued with arguments (e.g. '''cal 2002''', '''cd /bin''', '''ls -l -a /bin''' ).
 +
 
 +
'''What is an argument?'''
 +
 
 +
An argument is used to change the default behaviour of a command. Arguments come in three major forms:
 +
# A command '''option'''.
 +
#* Example: <code>-l</code>
 +
# A '''file pathname'''.
 +
#* Example: <code>/etc</code>
 +
# A series of characters (i.e. '''text''') that the command can use.
 +
#* Example: <code>"Hello, world."</code>
 +
 
 +
An '''argument''' <u>must be separated</u> from a command (and from other arguments) by whitespace (a '''SPACE''', '''MULTIPLE SPACES''' or a '''TAB''').
  
 
'''Perform the Following Steps:'''
 
'''Perform the Following Steps:'''
  
# Make certain that you are logged into your Matrix account.<br><br>
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# Confirm that you are logged into your Matrix account.
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">pwd</span><br><br>The output from this Linux command basically shows your '''current location''' in the Matrix server.<br>This represents a '''directory pathname''' to your home directory. We will discuss ''pathnames'' later in this course.<br><br>
+
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">pwd</span>
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">ls</span><br><br>What do you notice?<br><br>If there were any files in your home directory, just their file names would be displayed.<br><br>
+
#* '''Explanation:''' The output from this Linux command shows your '''current location''' on the Matrix server (otherwise known as your '''p'''resent '''w'''orking '''d'''irectory). This represents a '''directory pathname''' to your home directory. We will discuss ''pathnames'' later in this course.
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">cd /bin</span><br><br>
+
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">ls</span>
# Issue the following Linux command to confirm your current location: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">pwd</span><br><br>
+
#* '''Question:''' What do you notice?
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">ls</span><br><br>What do you notice?<br><br>
+
#* '''Answer:''' If there are any files in your home directory, only their file names are displayed.
# Issue the following Linux command using an '''option''': <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">ls -l</span><br><br>What do you notice?<br><br>The '''-l''' option with the '''ls''' command provides a '''detailed''' ("''long''") listing of files providing more information on a separate line for each file.<br><br>
+
# Change your directory location by issuing the following command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">cd /etc</span>
# Issue the following Linux command to return to your home directory: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">cd</span><br><br>
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# Issue the following Linux command to confirm your changed current location: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">pwd</span>
# Issue the following Linux command to confirm your current location: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">pwd</span><br><br>
+
#* '''Result:''' Your Linux session should display <code>/etc/</code> when running this command. If your output is different, retrace your steps to make sure you haven't skipped anything or had a typo in a command.
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">ls /bin</span><br><br>  
+
# Issue the following Linux command again: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">ls</span>
# Issue the following Linux command to confirm your current location: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">pwd</span><br><br>What do you notice?<br><br>What makes this command with that argument useful if you are current located in your home directory?<br><br>
+
#* '''Question:''' What do you notice? How is this different from the last time you ran it?
# Issue a Linux command that you have already learned to change to your '''home''' directory<br>and to '''confirm''' that you have returned to your home directory.<br><br>
+
# Re-run the ls command using an '''option''': <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">ls -l</span>
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">clear</span><br><br>What do you notice? How would this command be helpful?<br>'''FYI:''' The short-cut keys to clear the screen for the Bash shell is: <span style="font-family:courier;color:font-weight:bold">ctrl-l</span><br><br>
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#* '''Question:''' What do you notice?
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">who</span><br><br>What information does this command show?<br><br>This command lists users that are logged into the same Matrix server as yourself.<br>'''NOTE:''' Remember that the Matrix Linux cluster contains several servers, so it does not display<br>all users that are logged onto those other machines within that cluster!<br><br>
+
#* '''Answer:''' The '''-l''' option combined with the '''ls''' command displays a '''detailed''' ("''long''") listing of the same files, providing you with more information about each file. This is called metadata (data about data), and includes information such as last modified date, file size, ownership and permissions.
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold">whoami</span><br><br>What does this command display? What do you think is the purpose of this command?<br><br>
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# Return to your home directory: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">cd</span>
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">cal</span><br><br>What is the purpose of this command?<br><br>
+
# Now confirm you've changed back to your home directory: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">pwd</span>
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">cal 2021</span><br><br>What is the purpose of this command using this argument?<br><br>
+
#* '''Result:''' The shell should display <code>/home/''yourusername''</code>
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">cal 2 2021</span><br><br>What is the purpose of this command using those two '''numbers''' as arguments?<br><br>
+
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">ls /bin</span>
'''Getting Help with Linux Commands'''
+
# Issue the following Linux command to confirm your current location: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">pwd</span>
 +
#* '''Question:''' What do you notice?
 +
#* '''Question:''' What makes this command with that argument useful if you are currently located in your home directory?
 +
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">clear</span>
 +
#* '''Question:''' What do you notice? Why is this command helpful?
 +
#* '''Tip:''' The shortcut keys to clear the screen for the Bash shell are: <span style="font-family:courier;color:font-weight:bold">ctrl-l</span>
 +
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">who</span>
 +
#* '''Question:''' What information does this command show?
 +
#* '''Answer:''' This command lists users that are logged into the same Linux server as yourself.
 +
#* '''NOTE:''' Remember that the Matrix Linux cluster contains several servers (or nodes). It won't display all users logged into the cluster, only the ones on the same node as you.
 +
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold">whoami</span>
 +
#* '''Question:''' What does this command display?
 +
#* '''Question:''' What do you think is the purpose of this command?
 +
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">cal</span>
 +
#* '''Question:''' What does this command do?
 +
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">cal 2035</span>
 +
#* '''Question:''' How and why is the output different?
 +
# Issue the following Linux command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">cal 2 2035</span>
 +
#* '''Question:''' What do each of these numbers do?
 +
#* '''Question:''' What do you think would happen if you reversed the order of those arguments? (i.e. cal 2035 2)
  
With the Linux OS containing over '''2500''' commands and utilities, it is good for a Linux user or <br>Linux system administrator (sysadmin) to learn about how to use commands “on-the-fly”.<br><br>
+
==Getting Help with Linux Commands==
The '''man''' command can provide information on how to use a command<br>(i.e. '''command usage''', '''acceptable command arguments''', '''command options''', '''examples''').<br><br>
 
# Issue the following command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">man man</span><br><br>You may notice that the online manual categories commands into sections or '''numbered volumes'''.<br><br>
 
# Type the '''SPACE''' key to move to the next screen.<br><br>How many '''volume numbers''' are contained in the man pages (like '''executable commands''',<br>'''games''', or '''system administrator commands''')?<br><br>'''TIP:''' You can use the following '''short-cut keys''' within the man command to <br>help navigate throughout this utility to get help with the ls command (refer to table below):<br><br><table cellpadding="3"><tr><th style="border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Keyboard Shortcut</th><th style="border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Purpose</th></tr><tr><td>'''ENTER'''</td><td>Move down one line</td></tr><tr><td>'''SPACEBAR'''</td><td>Move one screen down</td></tr><tr><td>'''&lt;ctrl&gt;&lt;b&gt;'''</td><td>Move one screen up</td></tr><tr><td>'''/pattern/'''</td><td>Search for Pattern</td></tr><tr><td>'''q'''</td><td>quit man utility</td></tr></table><br>
 
# Press the letter <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">q</span> to exit the man command.<br><br>
 
# Issue the following Linux command to get help with the ls command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">man ls</span><br><br>
 
# Navigate through the man utility for the '''ls''' Linux command and note the '''option letters''' that correspond to the following descriptions:<br><ul><li>"'''use a long lising format'''"</li><li>"'''do not ignore entries starting with .'''" (i.e. hidden files)</li><li>"'''sort by file size'''"</li><li>"'''append indicator (one of */=>&|) to entries'''" (i.e. type of file)</li></ul><br>
 
# Exit the man utility for the ''ls'' command.<br><br>
 
# Issue the '''ls''' command for <u>each</u> of those option letters you noted in '''step 4''' to see how this command differs for each option.<br><br>'''NOTE:''' The '''man''' utility can be used with the '''-k''' option to help list Linux commands that match a text pattern<br>that is contained within the help screen for a Linux command.<br><br>
 
# '''Pipeline commands''' can be used to filter-out unnecessary output. In the next command that you will be issuing,<br>the output from the '''man -k''' command, is sent into the '''grep''' command to ''filter'' (i.e. ''trap'') only output that matches the pattern "8"<br>(The number "8" refers to the category of type of command - in this case, administration commands).<br><br>We will learn more about pipeline commands later in this course.<br><br>
 
# Issue the following Linux pipeline command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">man -k user | grep 8</span><br><br>How does this ''pipeline command'' make it easier to obtain information regarding man command?<br><br>
 
# If you wish to change your password, you can change it by issuing the command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">passwd</span><br>What option for the passwd command can be used to change user info (such as name)?<br>'''Hint:''' use the '''man''' command for '''passwd'''.<br><br>
 
# Press the letter <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">q</span> to exit the man command.<br><br>'''NOTE:''' Do '''NOT''' run the ''passwd'' command. Unique for this college, your Matrix password<br>is changed automatically when you change your '''myseneca''' password.<br><br>You will now learn how to perform '''command line editing'''<br>to correct syntax errors while typing Linux commands PRIOR to pressing the ENTER key.<br><br>
 
  
'''Command Line Editing'''
+
With the Linux OS containing over '''2500''' commands and utilities, it's important for Linux users and Linux system administrators (sysadmin) to learn how to use commands “on-the-fly”.
[[Image:command-line-editing.png|thumb|right|520px|Command Line Editing Shortcut Keys. ]]
 
  
 +
The '''man''' utility is an interactive collection of manual pages that provides information on how to use a given command (i.e. '''command usage''', '''acceptable command arguments''', '''command options''', '''examples''').
  
Learning '''shortcut keys''' in any OS terminal will allow you to be more productive as a ''Linux user'' or ''Linux System Administrator'' (commonly referred to as: '''Linux sysadmin''').<br><br><br>Let's learn a few common Bash Shell keyboard shortcut keys and find out where you can access online help for additional shortcuts (if required).
+
# For an example, issue the following command for the manual page about the manual utility: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">man man</span>
 +
#* You may notice that the online manual categories commands into sections or '''numbered volumes'''.
 +
# Press the '''SPACE''' key to move to the next screen.
 +
#* '''Question:''' How many '''volume numbers''' are contained in the man pages (like '''executable commands''', '''games''', or '''system administrator commands''')?
 +
# You can use the following '''shortcut keys''' within the man command to help navigate throughout this utility to get help with the ls command (refer to table below):
 +
#::<table cellpadding="3"><tr><th style="border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Keyboard Shortcut</th><th style="border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Purpose</th></tr><tr><td>'''ENTER'''</td><td>Move down one line</td></tr><tr><td>'''SPACEBAR'''</td><td>Move one screen down</td></tr><tr><td>'''&lt;ctrl&gt;&lt;b&gt;'''</td><td>Move one screen up</td></tr><tr><td>'''/pattern/'''</td><td>Search for Pattern</td></tr><tr><td>'''q'''</td><td>quit man utility</td></tr></table>
 +
# If you are connected to Matrix through a terminal application, you can also use your mouse's scroll wheel.
 +
# Press the <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">q</span> key to exit the man command.
 +
# Use the ''man'' utility to get help with the ''ls'' command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">man ls</span>
 +
# Navigate through the '''ls''' manual page and write down the '''option letters''' that correspond to the following descriptions:
 +
#*"'''use a long listing format'''"
 +
#*"'''do not ignore entries starting with .'''" (i.e. hidden files)
 +
#*"'''sort by file size'''"
 +
#*"'''append indicator (one of */=>&|) to entries'''" (i.e. type of file)
 +
# Exit the man utility.
 +
# Issue the '''ls''' command using <u>each</u> of those option letters you noted in '''step 5''' to see how the command's output changes with each option.
 +
#* '''NOTE:''' The '''man''' utility can be used with the '''-k''' option to help list Linux commands that match a text pattern that is contained within the help screen for a Linux command.
 +
# '''Pipeline commands''' can be used to filter-out unnecessary output. In the next command that you will be issuing, the output from the '''man -k''' command, is sent into the '''grep''' command to ''filter'' (i.e. ''trap'') only output that matches the pattern "8" (The number "8" refers to the category of type of command - in this case, administration commands). We will learn more about pipeline commands later in this course.
 +
# Issue the following Linux pipeline command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">man -k user | grep 8</span>
 +
#* '''Question:''' How does this ''pipeline command'' make it easier to obtain information regarding man command?
 +
# If you wish to change your password on typical Linux systems, you can by issuing the command: <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">passwd</span>
 +
{{Admon/caution|Do NOT run the <code>passwd</code> command on Matrix!|Unique to this college, your Linux password is changed automatically when you change your ''myseneca'' password.}}
 +
#* '''Question:''' What option for the ''passwd'' command can be used to change user info (such as name)?
 +
#* '''Hint:''' use the '''man''' command for '''passwd'''.
 +
# Press the <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">q</span> key to exit the man command.
  
 +
You will now learn how to perform '''command line editing''' to correct syntax errors while typing Linux commands PRIOR to pressing the ENTER key.
  
 +
==Command Line Editing==
 +
[[Image:command-line-editing.png|thumb|right|520px|Command Line Editing Shortcut Keys. ]]
 +
Learning '''shortcut keys''' in any OS terminal will allow you to be more productive as a ''Linux user'' or ''Linux System Administrator'' (commonly referred to as: '''Linux sysadmin''').
 +
 +
Let's learn a few common Bash Shell keyboard shortcut keys and find out where you can access online help for additional shortcuts (if required).
  
 
'''Perform the Following Steps:'''
 
'''Perform the Following Steps:'''
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# Press the <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">up arrow</span> key combination, and see what happens when you press <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">BACKSPACE</span> , <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">&lt;ctrl&gt;&lt;BACKSPACE&gt;</span> and <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">&lt;ctrl&gt;&lt;h&gt;</span>.<br>Why is it important to know those series of key combinations?<br><br>
 
# Press the <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">up arrow</span> key combination, and see what happens when you press <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">BACKSPACE</span> , <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">&lt;ctrl&gt;&lt;BACKSPACE&gt;</span> and <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">&lt;ctrl&gt;&lt;h&gt;</span>.<br>Why is it important to know those series of key combinations?<br><br>
 
# Press the <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">ctrl-u</span> key combination to clear the line.<br><br>
 
# Press the <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">ctrl-u</span> key combination to clear the line.<br><br>
# Press the <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">ctrl-l</span> key combination. What happens? What is the advantage of using '''ctrl-u''' as opposed to '''ctrl-l'''?<br><br>The Bash shortcut keys that you just learned are sufficient to perform Bash Shell editing.<br>Although you are NOT required to learn other short-cut keys, here is a link to a listing in case you are interested:<br>[https:// ostechnix.com/list-useful-bash-keyboard-shortcuts/ Useful Bash Shell Keyboard Shortcuts]<br><br>
+
# Press the <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">ctrl-l</span> key combination. What happens? What is the advantage of using '''ctrl-u''' as opposed to '''ctrl-l'''?<br><br>The Bash shortcut keys that you just learned are sufficient to perform Bash Shell editing.<br>Although you are NOT required to learn other short-cut keys, here is a link to a listing in case you are interested:<br>[https:// ostechnix.com/list-useful-bash-keyboard-shortcuts/ Useful Bash Shell Keyboard Shortcuts]
'''Running a Shell Script to Check Student Online Tutorial Participation'''
 
  
Some professors will require students successfully perform these online tutorials for marks (within a deadline). <br>In order to confirm that you successfully performed a tutorial, you will be required to run a program<br>(or in later tutorials, several programs) to prove that you successfully completed tasks in a tutorial.
+
==Tutorial Submission==
  
These programs (known as Shell Scripts) will check your work and offer feedback if you made mistakes, so you can make corrections.<br>Making corrections (i.e. troubleshooting) and re-running these checking programs until you are successful will help students<br>gain "hands-on" experience as well as "trouble-shooting experience.
+
'''Running a Shell Script to Check Student Online Tutorial Participation'''
 +
<table align="right"><tr valign="top"><td>[[Image:script-check-1.png|thumb|right|250px|If all all check pass, then user performed can proceed.]]</td><td>[[Image:script-check-2.png|thumb|right|450px|If there is a warning, then feedback is provided to user to correct and re-run checking script.]]</td></table>
  
Students whose professors do NOT assign marks for these online tutorials are encouraged to perform them for "hands-on" practice. The checking program for this tutorial is just showing proof that you were able to connect to your Matrix account from your home computer.
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Professors will require students successfully perform these online tutorials for marks (within a deadline). In order to confirm that you successfully performed a tutorial, you will be required to run a program (or in later tutorials, several programs) to prove that you successfully completed tasks in a tutorial and get marks.
  
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These programs (known as Shell Scripts) will check your work and offer feedback if you made mistakes, so you can make corrections. Making corrections (i.e. troubleshooting) and re-running these checking programs until you are successful will help students gain "hands-on" experience as well as "trouble-shooting experience.
  
<table align="right"><tr valign="top"><td>[[Image:script-check-1.png|thumb|right|250px|If all all check pass, then user performed can proceed.]]</td><td>[[Image:script-check-2.png|thumb|right|450px|If there is a warning, then feedback is provided to user to correct and re-run checking script.]]</td></table>
 
 
If you have correctly completed the required tasks, the user can proceed. If the checking shell script detects an '''error''', then it will provide feedback to allow the student to fix that problem so they can re-run the checking shell scripts until they have successfully completed a task.
 
If you have correctly completed the required tasks, the user can proceed. If the checking shell script detects an '''error''', then it will provide feedback to allow the student to fix that problem so they can re-run the checking shell scripts until they have successfully completed a task.
 
  
 
'''Perform the Following Steps:'''
 
'''Perform the Following Steps:'''
  
# Make certain that your current directory is '''your home directory'''<br>By entering the following Linux command:<br><span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">cd</span><br><br>
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# Make certain that your current directory is '''your home directory''' by entering the following Linux command:
#Issue the following command to run a checking script :<br><span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">~uli101/week1-check</span><br><br>The beginning character "'''~'''" is called '''tilde'''. You get this character by pressing '''SHIFT''' + '''`'''<br>(which is the key to the left of the number 1 on your keyboard). <br><br>
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#* <span style="color:blue;font-weight:bold;font-family:courier;">cd</span>
# Your screen should clear and indicate that you have proved that you have successfully logged in.<br><br>
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# Issue the following command to run a checking script:
# An email will be sent to your Seneca email as '''confirmation''' in case your ULI101 professor is assigning marks to these tutorials.<br><br>Keep those confirmation email messages for the duration of this semester as proof that you have completed those checking scripts in case there is a discrepancy in tutorial grades.<br><br>
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#* <span style="font-family:courier;color:blue;font-weight:bold">~uli101/week1-check</span>
 
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#* '''Note:''' The beginning character "'''~'''" is called '''tilde'''. You get this character by pressing '''SHIFT''' + '''`''' (which is the key to the left of the number 1 on your keyboard).  
 +
# Your screen should clear and indicate that you have proved that you have successfully logged in.
 +
# An email will be sent to your Seneca email as '''confirmation''' in case your ULI101 professor is assigning marks to these tutorials.
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#* Keep those confirmation email messages for the duration of this semester as proof that you have completed those checking scripts in case there is a discrepancy in tutorial grades.
 
<!--
 
<!--
  
Line 353: Line 396:
 
The purpose of this section is to obtain '''extra practice''' to help with '''quizzes''', your '''midterm''', and your '''final exam'''.
 
The purpose of this section is to obtain '''extra practice''' to help with '''quizzes''', your '''midterm''', and your '''final exam'''.
  
Here is a link to the MS Word Document of ALL of the questions displayed below but with extra room to answer on the document to
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Here is a link to a Word document of ALL of the questions displayed below but with extra room to answer on the document to simulate a quiz:
simulate a quiz:
 
  
https://ict.senecacollege.ca/~murray.saul/uli101/uli101_week1_practice.docx
+
: https://wiki.cdot.senecacollege.ca/uli101/files/uli101_week1_practice.docx
  
 
Your instructor may take-up these questions during class. It is up to the student to attend classes in order to obtain the answers to the following questions. Your instructor will NOT provide these answers in any other form (eg. e-mail, etc).
 
Your instructor may take-up these questions during class. It is up to the student to attend classes in order to obtain the answers to the following questions. Your instructor will NOT provide these answers in any other form (eg. e-mail, etc).
 
  
 
'''Review Questions:'''
 
'''Review Questions:'''
Line 372: Line 413:
 
# What character(s) are used to '''separate''' commands and arguments?
 
# What character(s) are used to '''separate''' commands and arguments?
 
# Create a '''table''' listing each Linux command, useful options that were mentioned in this tutorial for the following Linux commands:<br>'''pwd''' , '''cd''' , '''ls''' , '''cal''' , '''date''' , '''who''' , '''w''' , '''whoami''' , '''who am I''' , '''clear'''
 
# Create a '''table''' listing each Linux command, useful options that were mentioned in this tutorial for the following Linux commands:<br>'''pwd''' , '''cd''' , '''ls''' , '''cal''' , '''date''' , '''who''' , '''w''' , '''whoami''' , '''who am I''' , '''clear'''
 +
 +
_________________________________________________________________________________
 +
 +
Author:  Murray Saul
 +
 +
License: LGPL version 3
 +
Link:    https://www.gnu.org/licenses/lgpl.html
 +
 +
_________________________________________________________________________________
 +
  
 
[[Category:ULI101]]
 
[[Category:ULI101]]

Latest revision as of 20:33, 4 September 2023

Stop (medium size).png
DO NOT USE THIS VERSION OF THE LAB. This page will no longer be updated.
New version here: https://seneca-ictoer.github.io/ULI101/A-Tutorials/tutorial1
Andrew's students please go here: http://wiki.littlesvr.ca/wiki/OPS145_Lab_1

USING YOUR MATRIX SERVER ACCOUNT

Main Objectives of this Tutorial

  • Learn how to access your Matrix server account (from home and/or from Seneca computer lab).
  • Learn several ways to exit your Matrix Linux Account session.
  • Understand the Linux command structure and how to get help with Linux command usage.
  • Become efficient with Linux command line editing by using short-cut keys.
  • Issue a checking program (i.e. Shell Script) to confirm that you accessed your Matrix account.
  • Perform LINUX PRACTICE QUESTIONS for additional practice.

Tutorial Reference Material

Course Notes / Software
Linux Command/Shortcut Reference
YouTube Videos
Slides:Tutorials:Windows SSH client Software: Matrix Account Access:

Command Line Editing:

General Linux Commands:


Brauer Instructional Videos:

KEY CONCEPTS

Purpose of Your Student Account on Matrix

While attending Seneca College, you will be using many different computer systems. Some of these servers include:

learn.senecacollege.ca Learning Content Management System (Link to Resources / Student Grades / Online Quizzes)
wiki.cdot.senecacollege.ca Lecture Notes / Tutorials (weekly, review) / Practice Questions / Additional Learning Resources
matrix.senecacollege.ca Matrix is our Linux server environment used for "hands-on practice". Each ULI101 student has an account on this server.
A shell is an interface / interpreter to allow a user to communicate with the Linux computer system.

Although you need to study concepts throughout this course (slides, etc.), you will also need to get hands-on practice running Linux commands as well as performing and submitting online tutorials.

This requires that you connect to a Linux server (Matrix) and become comfortable issuing Linux commands.

In Unix/Linux, a shell is simply an interface to allow a user to communicate with the Linux computer system (server). Linux shells have evolved (improved) over a period of time. You will be using the Bash Shell which is considered to be user-friendly. By understanding how to issue Linux commands, you can create a file that contains Linux commands (called a shell script) later in this course to automate tasks to make you a more productive Linux user and system administrator.

Layout of the Matrix Linux Server

The Matrix server consists of several Computers connected together to form a cluster. A Linux Cluster is a cost effective alternative to larger servers.

The Matrix server consists of several computers connected together to form a cluster.
A Linux cluster is a cost effective alternative to buying larger servers.

All registered students in this course should have an account on the Matrix server.
You will be using this account for the following reasons:

  • Issuing Linux commands
  • Becoming productive using the Linux command prompt (shell)
  • Performing Linux Tutorials (11 Weekly Tutorials x 2% = 22% of your final grade)
  • Performing Linux Practice Questions
  • Performing Review Tutorial (8 Sections x 1% = 8% of your final grade)

Connecting to the Seneca Student VPN

Seneca Student VPN

All Seneca College students are required to connect to the Seneca Student VPN in order to be able to connect to their Matrix Linux account when outside of campus as a network security measure. The Seneca Student VPN uses multi-factor authentication (MFA) when logging in to verify you are who you say you are.

Multi-factor authentication is an electronic authentication method in which a computer user is granted access to a website or application only after successfully presenting two or more pieces of evidence (or factors) to an authentication mechanism: knowledge (something the user and only the user knows). Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-factor_authentication

You should have received an e-mail message with instructions on how to set up your smartphone for multi-factor authentication. If you haven't installed it yet, please do so by following the ITS instructions here: https://students.senecacollege.ca/spaces/186/it-services/wiki/view/1025/student-vpn

In the next investigation, you will learn how to connect to and login to your Matrix server account from a remote computer such as your home desktop computer, laptop or tablet computer.

Connecting to Your Matrix Account

Connect to Matrix viassh command

There are two basic methods to connecting to your Matrix account.

Method 1: Run ssh Command from command prompt:

After connecting to the Seneca Student VPN, you can open a command terminal in Windows 10 (or above), Mac or Linux computer and issue the following command:
ssh senecauserid@matrix.senecacollege.ca
Connect to Matrix via graphical SSH Program

Method 2: Run graphical ssh program via MyApps in Seneca computer lab:

If you are in a Seneca computer lab, you can use MyApps to run a graphical SSH application for your Windows machine. One advantage of using this method is that you are already at Seneca and are NOT required to connect to the student VPN.

NOTE: You instructor may show you how to run a graphic Linux VM in order to connect to your Matrix account (if interested, refer to the optional tutorial at the end of this semester).

INVESTIGATION 1: ACCESSING YOUR MATRIX LINUX ACCOUNT

Important.png
ATTENTION: This weekly tutorial must be completed by Friday at 11:59pm in Week 2 to obtain a grade of 2% towards this course.
It is essential that you complete these Weekly Tutorials fully and on time. These are your major learning tool in the course. There are no late marks.

In this section, you will learn how to access your Matrix Linux account by two different methods:

  • From your home computer
  • From a workstation in a Seneca College lab via MyApps

METHOD 1: CONNECTING TO YOUR MATRIX ACCOUNT FROM YOUR HOME COMPUTER

The Seneca Student VPN service must be connected.

You will now learn a quick and simple method of connecting to your Matrix account by opening
a text-based terminal (in any OS) and issuing the ssh command.

Perform the Following Steps:

  1. If you want to connect to your Matrix account from home, you MUST first connect to the Seneca Student VPN.
    Make certain that your Seneca Student VPN is connected.

    NOTE: If you haven't set this up, refer to the following link for instructions;
    https://students.senecacollege.ca/spaces/186/it-services/wiki/view/1025/student-vpn

    You only have to connect to your Seneca student VPN once during the day,
    or while you are logged into your computer.

  2. Determine which operating system that your computer is using.

  3. Try connecting to your Matrix account using the instructions in the table below based on your current operating system.

Windows 10 (or above): macOS: Linux:
  • From the start menu, type cmd and launch program
  • In the command terminal, enter the following command:
    ssh senecausername@matrix.senecacollege.ca
  • Click Launchpad icon, type terminal
    and press ENTER
  • In the terminal, enter the following command:
    ssh senecausername@matrix.senecacollege.ca
  • From the menu, choose:
    Applications > System Tools > Terminal
  • In the terminal, enter the following command:
    ssh senecausername@matrix.senecacollege.ca
  1. When connecting securely for the first time, a dialog box will appear to share a "public key" with your Matrix account in order to make your interaction between your workstation and the remote Linux server secure within the network (i.e. encrypted to prevent unauthorized access by other users)

    FYI: To make communications over a network secure, a computer generates two keys: a private key that is kept on the computer, and a public key, which can be shared with other computers. Transmissions from your computer uses the private key to encrypt (scramble) transmission to the remote computer, which in turn, uses the public key to decrypt (unscramble) the transmission. Likewise, the remote computer uses the public key to encrypt (scramble) transmissions and your computer uses the private key to decrypt (unscramble) those transmissions.

  2. Type yes and press ENTER to share your public key.

    Next, a dialog box will appear prompting you for your Matrix account password in order to gain entry to your Matrix account.
    Your Matrix password is identical to your Seneca password.

    NOTE: As you type the password, the text may be hidden to prevent others from viewing your password

  3. Enter your Seneca password and press ENTER

  4. NOTE: If you encounter an error message, this can occur for several reasons:
    1. You mis-spelled the name of the server
    2. You mis-spelled your Matrix username (same username that you connect to my.senecacollege.ca)
    3. You have CAPS LOCK on by mistake (your username should be lowercase only).
    4. You mis-spelled your password (same password that you connect to my.senecacollege.ca)

      If you continue to experience the same problems, click on the following link for IT service desk contact info:
      IT service desk.

  5. If you entered your password correctly, the Matrix Linux shell should appear where you can enter Linux commands.

    The Matrix server has been configured to allow users to only interact with the Linux OS by issuing commands.
    The main reason for this is to force students to learn how to issue Linux commands.

  6. To exit your Matrix session, type the command exit followed by ENTER

    NOTE: You should notice that you are returned to the original command prompt where you issued the ssh command.

  7. Type the same command at the command terminal prompt: exit followed by ENTER

    NOTE: You should notice that the you are disconnected and that the original terminal window has automatically closed.

  8. Try accessing your Matrix account, and then exiting your Matrix account several times to become familiar with this process.

    You will now learn an alternative method to access your Matrix account (if you have an MS Windows machine)
    by downloading and running a graphical SSH application.

METHOD 2: CONNECTING TO YOUR MATRIX ACCOUNT FROM SENECA COMPUTER LAB

NOTE: This section requires you have access to a Seneca computer lab on campus.
If you don't have access to a Seneca computer lab this semester, then you can skip this section


You can also connect to your Matrix server account in the Seneca Computer lab via MyApps.

One advantage of this method is that your are at the college; therefore, you do NOT have to worry about connecting to the Seneca VPN. Another advantage of using this method is to introduce you to a graphical program to allow you connect to your Matrix account as opposed to using the ssh command (shown in the previous section).

MyApps (AppsAnywhere) Main Window

This method would also be useful if you do not have a home (notebook) computer and have access to a Seneca computer lab workstation.

MyApps (AppsAnywhere) is an application streaming service that lets you install software on any Seneca PC on demand. Any software application on the MyApps menu can be used on computers in classrooms, labs, and the Computing Commons.

Reference: https://inside.senecacollege.ca/its/software/myapps/


You will now use MyApps on your Windows workstation in your Seneca lab room to launch an application
to allow you to connect and login to your Matrix server account.

Several SSH applications will appear. We will use the application called SSH Client for this practice tutorial.


Perform the Following Steps:

  1. Start your workstation in your lab and login to your Seneca Windows account.

  2. Make certain that the MyApps window is open. This window should have opened shortly after you logged into your Windows workstation. If the application windows is not open, click on the MyApps icon on the desktop to launch).

    SSH Client Application Window
    NOTE: You may be required to validate in order to use MyApps correctly. If you see near the top of the screen "requires validation", then click on that area to connect to validate.

  3. Click on the Search Apps area located in the top right corner of the MyApps window and type the word: ssh

  4. Several SSH applications will appear.

    NOTE: All of these applications allow you to connect to your Matrix account.
    We will use the application called SSH Secure Shell Client for this practice tutorial.

  5. Launch the SSH Secure Shell Client application icon to launch this program.

    Quick Connect Dialog Box
    NOTE: Prior to launching the application, you can add this to your favourites which will make it faster
    to access this application in the future.

  6. The main SSH Client window will appear. Click on the Quick Connect button.

    NOTE: The Connect dialog box allows the user to specify the server name and your account name
    to allow you to connect to the server.

  7. Click on the textbox labelled Hostnanme and enter the text: matrix

    NOTE: You can use the hostname matrix since you are located inside Seneca's network.
    If you where located outside Seneca's network, then you would need to enter the full domain name: matrix.senecac.on.ca

    Dialog Box to Share Public Key on Remote Server
  8. When connecting securely for the first time, a dialog box will appear to share a "public key" with your Matrix account in order to make your interaction between your workstation and the remote Linux server secure within the network (i.e. encrypted to prevent unauthorized access by other users)

    FYI: To make communications over a network secure, a computer generates two keys: a private key that is kept on the computer, and a public key, which can be shared with other computers. Transmissions from your computer uses the private key to encrypt (scramble) transmission to the remote computer, which in turn, uses the public key to decrypt (unscramble) the transmission. Likewise, the remote computer uses the public key to encrypt (scramble) transmissions and your computer uses the private key to decrypt (unscramble) those transmissions.

    Password Dialog Box
  9. Click the Yes button to share your public key.

  10. Next, a dialog box will appear prompting you for your Matrix account password in order to gain entry to your Matrix account. Your Matrix password is identical to your Seneca password. As you type the password, the text will be blocked-out or hidden to prevent others from viewing the screen to obtain your password
    Authentication Response Dialog Box


  11. Enter your password and click OK or press ENTER

    SSH Login Error
  12. Click OK or press ENTER at the Authentication Response dialog box.

    NOTE: If you encounter an error message, this can occur for several reasons:
    1. You mis-spelled the name of the server
    2. You mis-spelled your Matrix username (same username that you connect to my.senecacollege.ca)
    3. You have CAPS LOCK on by mistake (your username should be lowercase only).
    4. You mis-spelled your password (same password that you connect to my.senecacollege.ca)

    If you continue to experience the same problems, click on the following link for IT service desk contact info:
    IT service desk.

    Matrix Shell Command Line Interface
  13. If you entered your password correctly, the main SSH Linux shell should appear where you enter Linux commands.

    The Matrix server has been configured to allow users to only interact with the Linux OS by issuing commands. There are various reasons for this, but the main 2 reasons are to force students to learn how to issue Linux commands as well as limitations to remote access to a graphical Linux server due to large number of users (students).

    SSH Settings Dialog Box

You can configure the SSH application to adjust elements such as the window size and text font type and text font size. We will be showing you how to configure your SSH Secure Shell Client, but the other applications can allow you to configure their settings.

Perform the Following Steps:

  1. Click on the Edit menu item, and then select Settings in the Edit drop-down menu.

  2. To change the size of your shell window, under the Global Settings section, click Appearance

  3. Change the window size both horizontal and vertical to larger values.

  4. To change the font size, under the Global Settings section, click Font

  5. Select a larger font size and click OK

  6. You now should notice that you have customized your SSH shell terminal. You can use the settings screen to also change your background and text colours if you are interested in doing so.

  7. To exit your Matrix session, type the following command and press ENTER: exit

    NOTE: You should notice that the colour of the text changes slightly when disconnected and you are unable to issue Linux commands from that window.

  8. After you have disconnected from your account, close the SSH Secure Shell Client application window.

  9. It is recommended to repeat these steps with connecting to your Matrix account from a Seneca lab workstation until you become comfortable with the process.

In the next investigation, you will learn how to issue Linux commands from the command prompt (referred to as the "shell"), learn how to get help with Linux commands, use command-line editing short cut keys, and run a program to confirm that you connected to your Matrix account in order to get marks for this online tutorial.

INVESTIGATION 2: USING THE LINUX SHELL

In this investigation, you will learn how to use the Linux Shell. Topics in the section include:

  • Learn the basic Linux command structure (arguments and options)
  • Learn how to get help for Linux commands via the online manual (i.e. man command).
  • Perform Basic Shell Editing
  • Issue a program to confirm that you connected to your Matrix account

Linux Command Structure

The Bash shell allows you to interact with Linux by typing commands.

The basic Linux command structure is as follows:

command argument1 argument2 ...

Some Linux commands can be used as-is (e.g. pwd, date, ls, cal), but many Linux commands can also be issued with arguments (e.g. cal 2002, cd /bin, ls -l -a /bin ).

What is an argument?

An argument is used to change the default behaviour of a command. Arguments come in three major forms:

  1. A command option.
    • Example: -l
  2. A file pathname.
    • Example: /etc
  3. A series of characters (i.e. text) that the command can use.
    • Example: "Hello, world."

An argument must be separated from a command (and from other arguments) by whitespace (a SPACE, MULTIPLE SPACES or a TAB).

Perform the Following Steps:

  1. Confirm that you are logged into your Matrix account.
  2. Issue the following Linux command: pwd
    • Explanation: The output from this Linux command shows your current location on the Matrix server (otherwise known as your present working directory). This represents a directory pathname to your home directory. We will discuss pathnames later in this course.
  3. Issue the following Linux command: ls
    • Question: What do you notice?
    • Answer: If there are any files in your home directory, only their file names are displayed.
  4. Change your directory location by issuing the following command: cd /etc
  5. Issue the following Linux command to confirm your changed current location: pwd
    • Result: Your Linux session should display /etc/ when running this command. If your output is different, retrace your steps to make sure you haven't skipped anything or had a typo in a command.
  6. Issue the following Linux command again: ls
    • Question: What do you notice? How is this different from the last time you ran it?
  7. Re-run the ls command using an option: ls -l
    • Question: What do you notice?
    • Answer: The -l option combined with the ls command displays a detailed ("long") listing of the same files, providing you with more information about each file. This is called metadata (data about data), and includes information such as last modified date, file size, ownership and permissions.
  8. Return to your home directory: cd
  9. Now confirm you've changed back to your home directory: pwd
    • Result: The shell should display /home/yourusername
  10. Issue the following Linux command: ls /bin
  11. Issue the following Linux command to confirm your current location: pwd
    • Question: What do you notice?
    • Question: What makes this command with that argument useful if you are currently located in your home directory?
  12. Issue the following Linux command: clear
    • Question: What do you notice? Why is this command helpful?
    • Tip: The shortcut keys to clear the screen for the Bash shell are: ctrl-l
  13. Issue the following Linux command: who
    • Question: What information does this command show?
    • Answer: This command lists users that are logged into the same Linux server as yourself.
    • NOTE: Remember that the Matrix Linux cluster contains several servers (or nodes). It won't display all users logged into the cluster, only the ones on the same node as you.
  14. Issue the following Linux command: whoami
    • Question: What does this command display?
    • Question: What do you think is the purpose of this command?
  15. Issue the following Linux command: cal
    • Question: What does this command do?
  16. Issue the following Linux command: cal 2035
    • Question: How and why is the output different?
  17. Issue the following Linux command: cal 2 2035
    • Question: What do each of these numbers do?
    • Question: What do you think would happen if you reversed the order of those arguments? (i.e. cal 2035 2)

Getting Help with Linux Commands

With the Linux OS containing over 2500 commands and utilities, it's important for Linux users and Linux system administrators (sysadmin) to learn how to use commands “on-the-fly”.

The man utility is an interactive collection of manual pages that provides information on how to use a given command (i.e. command usage, acceptable command arguments, command options, examples).

  1. For an example, issue the following command for the manual page about the manual utility: man man
    • You may notice that the online manual categories commands into sections or numbered volumes.
  2. Press the SPACE key to move to the next screen.
    • Question: How many volume numbers are contained in the man pages (like executable commands, games, or system administrator commands)?
  3. You can use the following shortcut keys within the man command to help navigate throughout this utility to get help with the ls command (refer to table below):
    Keyboard ShortcutPurpose
    ENTERMove down one line
    SPACEBARMove one screen down
    <ctrl><b>Move one screen up
    /pattern/Search for Pattern
    qquit man utility
  4. If you are connected to Matrix through a terminal application, you can also use your mouse's scroll wheel.
  5. Press the q key to exit the man command.
  6. Use the man utility to get help with the ls command: man ls
  7. Navigate through the ls manual page and write down the option letters that correspond to the following descriptions:
    • "use a long listing format"
    • "do not ignore entries starting with ." (i.e. hidden files)
    • "sort by file size"
    • "append indicator (one of */=>&|) to entries" (i.e. type of file)
  8. Exit the man utility.
  9. Issue the ls command using each of those option letters you noted in step 5 to see how the command's output changes with each option.
    • NOTE: The man utility can be used with the -k option to help list Linux commands that match a text pattern that is contained within the help screen for a Linux command.
  10. Pipeline commands can be used to filter-out unnecessary output. In the next command that you will be issuing, the output from the man -k command, is sent into the grep command to filter (i.e. trap) only output that matches the pattern "8" (The number "8" refers to the category of type of command - in this case, administration commands). We will learn more about pipeline commands later in this course.
  11. Issue the following Linux pipeline command: man -k user | grep 8
    • Question: How does this pipeline command make it easier to obtain information regarding man command?
  12. If you wish to change your password on typical Linux systems, you can by issuing the command: passwd
Stop (medium size).png
Do NOT run the passwd command on Matrix!
Unique to this college, your Linux password is changed automatically when you change your myseneca password.
    • Question: What option for the passwd command can be used to change user info (such as name)?
    • Hint: use the man command for passwd.
  1. Press the q key to exit the man command.

You will now learn how to perform command line editing to correct syntax errors while typing Linux commands PRIOR to pressing the ENTER key.

Command Line Editing

Command Line Editing Shortcut Keys.

Learning shortcut keys in any OS terminal will allow you to be more productive as a Linux user or Linux System Administrator (commonly referred to as: Linux sysadmin).

Let's learn a few common Bash Shell keyboard shortcut keys and find out where you can access online help for additional shortcuts (if required).

Perform the Following Steps:

To make alt-f key work, select Edit -> Settings -> Keyboard, and select the checkbox Use ALT as Meta key (and Escape).
  1. Type the following Linux command, but DON’T press the ENTER key:
    cd /bin

  2. Press the ctrl-a key combination. What happens?

    NOTE: To make alt-f key work when use the GRAPHICAL Windows SSH Client application, select Edit -> Settings -> Keyboard, and select the checkbox Use ALT as Meta key (and Escape).

  3. Press the alt-f key combination two times
    (OPTION+right-arrow for Mac OSx).

  4. Press the alt-b key combination one time.
    (OPTION+left-arrow for Mac OSx).

    alt-b moves one word backwards for Windows OS
    ctrl-w deletes a word to left of the cursor.
    After command is deleted, then type new command and press ctrl-e to move to end of the command line.
  5. Press the ctrl-w shortcut key. What happens?

  6. Type the following command: ls

  7. Press the ctrl-e key combination

    What happens?

  8. Press the ENTER key to execute the command.

  9. Press the up arrow key. What happens?

  10. Press the ctrl-u key combination. What happens?

  11. Press the up arrow key combination, and see what happens when you press BACKSPACE , <ctrl><BACKSPACE> and <ctrl><h>.
    Why is it important to know those series of key combinations?

  12. Press the ctrl-u key combination to clear the line.

  13. Press the ctrl-l key combination. What happens? What is the advantage of using ctrl-u as opposed to ctrl-l?

    The Bash shortcut keys that you just learned are sufficient to perform Bash Shell editing.
    Although you are NOT required to learn other short-cut keys, here is a link to a listing in case you are interested:
    [https:// ostechnix.com/list-useful-bash-keyboard-shortcuts/ Useful Bash Shell Keyboard Shortcuts]

Tutorial Submission

Running a Shell Script to Check Student Online Tutorial Participation

If all all check pass, then user performed can proceed.
If there is a warning, then feedback is provided to user to correct and re-run checking script.

Professors will require students successfully perform these online tutorials for marks (within a deadline). In order to confirm that you successfully performed a tutorial, you will be required to run a program (or in later tutorials, several programs) to prove that you successfully completed tasks in a tutorial and get marks.

These programs (known as Shell Scripts) will check your work and offer feedback if you made mistakes, so you can make corrections. Making corrections (i.e. troubleshooting) and re-running these checking programs until you are successful will help students gain "hands-on" experience as well as "trouble-shooting experience.

If you have correctly completed the required tasks, the user can proceed. If the checking shell script detects an error, then it will provide feedback to allow the student to fix that problem so they can re-run the checking shell scripts until they have successfully completed a task.

Perform the Following Steps:

  1. Make certain that your current directory is your home directory by entering the following Linux command:
    • cd
  2. Issue the following command to run a checking script:
    • ~uli101/week1-check
    • Note: The beginning character "~" is called tilde. You get this character by pressing SHIFT + ` (which is the key to the left of the number 1 on your keyboard).
  3. Your screen should clear and indicate that you have proved that you have successfully logged in.
  4. An email will be sent to your Seneca email as confirmation in case your ULI101 professor is assigning marks to these tutorials.
    • Keep those confirmation email messages for the duration of this semester as proof that you have completed those checking scripts in case there is a discrepancy in tutorial grades.

LINUX PRACTICE QUESTIONS

The purpose of this section is to obtain extra practice to help with quizzes, your midterm, and your final exam.

Here is a link to a Word document of ALL of the questions displayed below but with extra room to answer on the document to simulate a quiz:

https://wiki.cdot.senecacollege.ca/uli101/files/uli101_week1_practice.docx

Your instructor may take-up these questions during class. It is up to the student to attend classes in order to obtain the answers to the following questions. Your instructor will NOT provide these answers in any other form (eg. e-mail, etc).

Review Questions:

  1. What is a “Linux Cluster”? What is an advantage of using a Linux cluster?
  2. List three unique server names at Seneca college and briefly explain the purpose of that server.
  3. List the steps to connect and login to your Matrix Seneca College account on your laptop or your home computer.
  4. List alternative methods to connect to your Matrix account, including if you have an Apple Mac computer or are running the Linux operating system.
  5. List 3 unique ways to log-out of your Matrix account (not including closing the SSH window or application).
  6. What is the difference between a Linux command and an argument?
  7. What is the purpose of a Linux command option?
  8. What character(s) are used to separate commands and arguments?
  9. Create a table listing each Linux command, useful options that were mentioned in this tutorial for the following Linux commands:
    pwd , cd , ls , cal , date , who , w , whoami , who am I , clear

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Author: Murray Saul

License: LGPL version 3 Link: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/lgpl.html

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