Red Hat Linux Status

Red Hat Linux is a more modern operating system featuring an updated application set, as well as the GNOME desktop, in addition to the KDE desktop currently running on Andrew Linux. 
 
Throughout the spring 2009 semester, Computing Services piloted the Red Hat Linux operating system on desktop cluster machines, and the pilot was extended to a select set of the unix.andrew.cmu.edu pool this summer.  The pilot was assessed based on surveys, focus groups and student and faculty feedback. 
 
As a result of the successful pilot, Computing Services has upgraded all cluster and unix.andrew.cmu.edu machines to Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 (RHEL).  Computing Services is also working in partnership with the School of Computer Science to install Red Hat Linux in the Gates Building to provide consistency across campus.

Any issues or suggestions should be sent via email to clusters@andrew.cmu.edu

Issues & Fixes:

The following is a list of issues and their remedies:

Login

Some users have reported that when they attempt to log in, they are logged out immediately with a message that their session lasted for less than 10 seconds.  This can happen if you have altered your ~/.login file.  The particular culprit appears to be if you added exec /bin/bash.

If you are unable to log in:  Replace your .login file with a clean unaltered version, by copying one from:

 /afs/.andrew.cmu.edu/data/db/account/.login

If you get the error message: Remove the login warning about your permissions on your $HOME/.dmrc file by running the following from an Andrew machine:

chmod 644 ~

Host Authentication Keys

As a result of the unix.andrew.cmu.edu machines being upgraded to Red Hat Enterprise Linux, the SSH host key that uniquely identifies each machine has changed.

Upon logging into the linux machines, you may receive a message regarding the authenticity of the host not being established, or a message asking if you would like to import a new key.  If you receive these messages, verify the new key and import the new key to continue connecting.

Older Clients

The Red Hat timeshare machines only accept connections from modern, ssh v2 clients. If you are using an ssh v1 client (e.g., TerraTerm) you will need to switch to a newer client. For more information, please email advisor@andrew.cmu.edu.

Changing Shell in Andrew

With the new Red Hat Linux, the previous method of changing one's shell in Andrew (i.e., ~/.shell) will not work. You will need to run /usr/bin/chsh following the prompt to set a new default shell from the available choices. Do NOT use flags on the command, as it is a custom script. Note: After running the command, it may take over a day for your default shell you chose to take effect.