A Remote User's Guide to SSCC Resources

Most of the SSCC's resources are available from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection. This article will not give many details on how to connect to SSCC resources, but it will tell you what's possible and then direct you to the Knowledge Base articles that tell you how to do it.

Using Winstat

Winstat, the SSCC's Windows Terminal Server farm, gives you full access to the SSCC network and SSCC software from anywhere in the world. You can also use it to transfer files between the SSCC network and your own computer. This makes Winstat an excellent resource for remote users.

• Using Winstat
• Using Winstat (For Members in the School of Education)

Accessing Files using VPN

You can use Virtual Private Networking (VPN) to have your computer log into the SSCC network regardless of your physical location. This gives you access to files on the SSCC network, though you'll also have to map the drive letters you're used to.

• Connecting to the SSCC Network via VPN
• Mapping a Drive to a Network Share

Using Linux Servers

You can connect to the SSCC's Linux servers from any location in order to run Linux programs or work with files on the Linux file system. For short term use you can also connect to Linux using Mindterm, a web based terminal program. Simply direct your web browser to hal.ssc.wisc.edu. MindTerm cannot display graphics, only text, but does not require you to install a client program.

• Connecting to SSCC Linux Computers
• Connecting to SSCC Linux Computers using X-Win32
• Connecting to SSCC Linux Computers using X11 in Mac OS X

Accessing Files using SFTP

SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) is an encrypted version of the FTP protocol that has been moving files between computers since the earliest days of the Internet. The SSCC has two FTP servers: ftp.ssc.wisc.edu gives access to the Linux file system and ntftp.ssc.wisc.edu gives access to the Windows file system.

If you are using a Linux server, you can type sftp server to connect to an FTP server using SFTP. In Windows you'll need a client program that supports SFTP. We suggest SecureFX, which is free to UW faculty, students and staff and can be downloaded from the Web.

• Transferring Files Using SecureFX
• Using SFTP

Email

If you will be traveling with a computer that is already set up to read SSCC email, it will continue to do so regardless of your location. If you need to set up a new computer to read SSCC email, instructions can be found in our Knowledge Base. Alternatively you can use our web-based email program, SquirrelMail. It is slower than a dedicated email program and doesn't have as many features, but requires no configuration. You can also have our mail server inform people who email you that you are away by setting a "vacation" message.

• Configuring Thunderbird to Read SSCC Email
• Configuring Outlook Express to Read SSCC Email
• Configuring Email Programs to Read SSCC Email
• Set a Vacation Message

More Information

The SSCC web site is, of course, available anywhere. Our Knowledge Base has a specific section for Remote Computing . You may want to take a few moments to see what is available, and if you have questions it should be your first place to look for answers. If you run into problems, feel free to contact the Help Desk as usual.

Last Revised: 7/20/2009