Overview:

Most Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis is done via the command line with typed text commands rather than using Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) that are more common in day to day computer use. Additionally, rather than analysis being confined to your personal computer/laptop it is often beneficial to access shared computer resources such as those at TACC. This is done via Secure Shell (SSH) programs. Windows10 began including an "OpenSSH Client" package first as an optional feature before enabling by default. Installation of this feature enables access to some key commands on the windows command line, or power shell application. If you are already experienced with logging into remote computers on the command line via other programs, it is recommended that you continue to us those programs, but please note support may be more limited.

Tutorial Objectives:

1. Ensure "OpenSSH Client" is activated on your computer
2. Launch powershell command line interface.
3. Use ssh command to log into lonestar5 on TACC.

Launching powershell : 

Use one of the following to launch the powershell application:

1. hit the windows key on your keyboard and type out powershell
2. On the start menu expand "Windows PowerShell"

In either case you may see 2 versions. 1 titled "Windows PowerShell" and 2 titled "Windows PowerShell (x86)". On my wife's computer, the "correct" one is the one that lacks the (x86). You may need to experiment with both by typing ssh and seeing what happens. In either case feedback to the instructor of what worked for you may help make this more straight forward for future students.

Good response showing ssh command is working and you can continue to use the ssh command to log into lonestar5:

Bad response showing you need to check the alternative program or skip down to the troubleshooting section:

Use ssh command to log into lonestar5: 

You will need 4 pieces of information to log into lonestar:

1. Your TACC userID

   1. If you do not have a TACC ID sign up for one here.

2. Hostname of the remote computer you are trying to log into

   1. For this class the hostname will be "ls5.tacc.utexas.edu" for lonestar5.

3. Your TACC password

   1. You should have chosen this when you signed up for your account. You can reset your password here if you have forgotten it.

4. 2 factor authentication code

   1. This page describes the 2 factor authentication in general terms.

   2. This page is used to set it up for your account.

   3. This will either be displayed on the TACC app if you choose to install it on your phone, or will be sent to your phone via a text message after you enter your password.

The ssh command:

The ssh command consists of 3 parts:

1. The letters 'ssh' followed by a space.
   1. This is used to tell your computer what command you are trying to run.
2. Your username followed by an @ symbol.
   1. This is used to tell the remote computer who is wanting access.
3. The hostname/addre