Skip to main content

Computing Environment Setup: Oscar @ Brown

Background

Getting Started with Oscar

  • Review Quickstart Guide
    • OSCAR
    • What username and password should I be using?
    • Connecting to Oscar for the first time
  • Use Brown username and password to login
  • For BIOL1555/PHP2561 (Spring 2022), class accounts have been created for those who are registered and did not already have an account

Login Using SSH

  • Go through instructions in SSH (Terminal) documentation
    • For Mac, use the Terminal application
      • Under Applications → Utilities → Terminal
      • Drag Terminal to Dock
    • For Windows, use the PuTTY application
  • Use Brown username and password to login
  • Complete two-step verification with Duo
  • After connecting, type the date command and hit enter
  • Type exit and hit enter

Login Using VNC

  • Go through instructions in VNC (Virtual Desktop)
  • Use Brown username and password to login
  • Use default for resource (2 Cores – 7GB Memory – 1 week)
  • Explore Desktop (click “Applications” in lower left to see what applications are available)
  • Open “Terminal Emulator” Application
    • Type the date command a hit enter
    • Type exit and hit enter
  • Exit session
    • Click “EXIT” in upper left corner
    • Choose “Kill VNC Session”

Troubleshooting

  • Review Common Problems and FAQ
  • Authentication Failure
    • Likely due to wrong password
    • Try logging in with username and password again
  • On Mac, cannot download and open VNC client
    • Go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy
    • Select General
    • Allow apps downloaded from
  • On Mac, cannot open VNC client
    • Go to Applications → Utilities
    • Open Activity Monitor
    • Find and stop Java process