Introduction to Grace System

If you are taking cmsc106 or cmsc216 you will need to use a system called Grace (grace.umd.edu). You can view this system as a computer the university provides, where you have been given an account. Your account is represented by your directory id (e.g., terps). The account password is the usual password associated with your directory id.

In order to access Grace you need programs that can set up a connection between your computer and Grace so you can log on using your account. Please follow the instructions below that apply to your environment.

• PC →
  
  1. Install MobaXTerm
  2. Start MobaXterm
  3. To connect to Grace
     • In MobaXterm select "Sessions", "New Session", "SSH"
     • In "Remote host*" enter grace.umd.edu
     • Select the "Specify username" checkbox and enter your directory id (e.g., terps).
     • Select OK (bottom of the window).
     • At this point you should be logged in to the grace system. You can now issue commands by writing them next to the prompt (e.g., grace1:~:) and pressing enter. At this point you should take a look at the document Basic Unix that describes Unix commands.
     • The following video illustrates the logging process ConnectingToGraceWithMobaXterm. Instead of nelsonp, use your directory id.
       
       
• Mac →
  
  1. Install XQuartz
  2. Start XQuartz, restart your computer and open a terminal (Applications, Terminal).
  3. In a terminal window type the following command to connect to Grace: ssh -Y yourDirectoryID@grace.umd.edu where yourDirectoryID needs to be replaced with your directory id (e.g., terps). The video below relies on -X, but -Y is recommended.
  4. After providing your directory id and password you will be in the grace system. You can now issue commands by writing them next to the prompt (e.g., grace1:~:) and pressing enter. At this point you should take a look at the document Basic Unix that describes Unix commands.
  5. The following video illustrates the logging process ConnectingToGraceWithXQuartz. Instead of nelsonp, use your directory id.
     
     
• Installing WinSCP  →
  
  1. Install WinSCP
  2. Login to WinSCP
     • Host Name : grace.umd.edu
     • Enter your user name (directory id) and password
  3. Open up the directory where your code is stored on your local machine using WinSCP's interface
  4. Open up the directory where your code should be on the Grace Machine using WinSCP's interface
  5. Select the option Keep Remote Directory Up To Date (Ctrl + U)

             Using WinSCP allows you to write your code on your own machine using your favorite editors (like VS Code, Notepad++, Sublime, etc.) and automatically transfer your code to your grace machines. 

Please note: IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT THE CODE IS CORRECTLY COPIED OVER IF YOU USE WinSCP. If you are having trouble with WinSCP, please contact the TAs for more help. 

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