Interfacing between Windows and Unix computers
Overview | Where to download
| Installation
Practically all our calculations run on Unix / Linux machines, but
the default desktop software on your PC is Windows. This page
describes how to download and install Cygwin, XFree86 et al., high-quality free
software that provides an almost seamless interface between both
worlds. Contact Priya or Volker with any comments/questions/suggestions.
Overview
Unix networks have long benefitted from the X Windows system, which
allows you to run desktop applications from another computer on your
local desktop (e.g., xmgrace running on isaac will get its own snug
little window on your PC). Since Microsoft Windows does not interface
to XWindows by default, your desktop PC must be running a separate X
Server to enable this behaviour.
Fortunately, the most powerful X Server from the Unix/Linux world is
now free software: The XFree86 project sets the standard. In order to
run XFree86 and much other useful free software to complement it, you
need the Cygwin environment, also free software, which provides basic
Unix-like functionality (libraries etc.) for your Windows PC.
Downloading Cygwin, XFree86, and many others
The Cygwin environment can be downloaded from
www.cygwin.com . When downloading,
cygwin will give you the option to also download XFree86, OpenSSH, and
other useful tools. Use them!
Installation
Detailed instructions for the installation of Cygwin et al. can be
found at the
cygwin website itself. If that is not sufficient, feel free to ask
your friendly fellow PostDocs, and point out that we should add the
missing bit to this page.
Last update: 4th October 2002
volker_blum@nrel.gov