Remotely connect to your NMR Linux workstation from INSIDE the firewall.

REMINDER: If you are connecting from a client machine inside the Martinos Center or anywhere on the MGH network, you should NOT create an ssh tunnel.

Tunnels found running inside the firewall will be terminated.

Contact the Help Desk if you have any questions.


1. Check to see if NX is already installed on your linux workstation. Login to the computer and open a terminal and run 'cat /usr/etc/nxclient.key'. You will need this key in step #4 below. If it doesn't exist...

Send email to and ask to have NX server installed on your linux workstation.
Remember to specify the name of your linux workstation in the email.

2. Download OpenNX Client for Mac.

http://www.opennx.net/download

3. Install OpenNX Client.

1. Double-click the zip file in order to unzip it.

opennx zip file

2. Double-click the resulting package icon to install the client.

opennx pkg file

3. Follow the on-screen steps to complete the install.

opennx install window

4. Run the OpenNX Client

1. Open the OpenNX Connection Wizard.

  • Choose a session name (i.e. "cnyNX") to identify the connection.
  • You must enter the full host address (i.e. "veles.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu") of the machine you want to NX into, then choose Port 22
  • Choose the appropriate internet connection type.
cnyNX_4.1.png

2. Choose GNOME and your desired desktop screen size.

cnyNX_4.2.png

3. Check the "Enable SSL Encryption of all traffic" box.

cnyNX_4.3.png

4. Show the Advanced Configuration dialog.

cnyNX_4.4.png

5. Set the key.

  • Press the "Key..." button in the NX client and copy/paste the key (including the "BEGIN/END DSA PRIVATE KEY" sections) from the terminal and save it.
  • Press "Ok."
  • NOTE: OpenNX currently has a bug that gives you the error message, "Connection Wizard quit unexpectedly" after you press "Okay". If your configuration is valid, then this message is meaningless. Entering your credentials for this configuration into the OpenNX client will still work.
cnyNX_4.5.png

6. Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save your configuration.

cnyNX_4.6.png

7. Login with your NMR username and password.

cnyNX_4.7.png

8. Accept the RSA key finger print.

cnyNX_4.8.png

5. Close NX - Terminate or Disconnect?

cnyNX_4.9.png