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Installation and Configuration of X-Win32

  1. Problem

    I want to use X-Win32 for emulating a Unix or Linux workstation.

  2. Solution

    Follow the instructions below to install and configure the latest version of X-Win32.

    1. To download the installation program, click HERE.

    2. Keep track of where you download the file to, then run the executable. Follow the setup defaults.

    3. The installer will ask you to enter a serial number, which can be found HERE. The serial number can simply be copied from the document and pasted into the field in the X-Win32 installer.

      NOTE: You will be asked for your PHY-AST domain username and password to access this document. If you don't have a login, or need help logging in, please email The Helpdesk

    To begin a session on a remote host without tunneling (you need to use tunneling with SSH if you're in BPS - a link to instructions is at the bottom of this page):

    1. Click Start->Programs->X-Win32 5.1->X-Config.

    2. Click the Sessions tab at the top of the window and click Add at the right of the tab.

    3. For Connection Method, choose rexec. Click Next.

    4. In the Session Name field, give your session a name (i.e. Kepler). In the Host Name field, put in the full TCP/IP name of the machine that you are connecting to (i.e. kepler.pa.msu.edu). Login is for your username on the system.

    5. For the command field, you will need to contact the administrator of the system that you are connecting to and ask them where the Xterm files are located. For Kepler, you can find a command HERE. Once again, you can simply copy the command from this document and paste it into the command field. The command is much longer than the field size, but don't worry. This command is also useful for other systems in the department besides Kepler.

    6. Click Save.

    You can now run your session by clicking on Start->Programs->X-Win32 5.1->X-win32. A blue X will appear in your system tray (next to the clock). Click on the X to see the list of session that you just made, and start "X-ing" by selecting one of those sessions.

  3. Other Userful Tips

    - Click HERE to learn how to configure X-Win32 to use Mathematica and other fonts.

    - Click HERE to learn how to use X-Win32 in conjunction with SSH.


Questions not covered in this FAQ? Make sure to send them in!

Last Updated: 2008.06.12 (Thursday) Eastern Daylight Time by Jeff Bowes

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