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.
Remember to specify the name of your linux workstation in the email.
2. Download OpenNX Client for Mac.
3. Install OpenNX Client.
1. Double-click the zip file in order to unzip it.
2. Double-click the resulting package icon to install the client.
3. Follow the on-screen steps to complete the install.
4. Use Mac Terminal to create an ssh tunnel
- Open Applications > Utilities > Terminal
- Run the following command replacing veles with your linux workstation and alexr with your username (you can copy and paste the text below):
ssh -L5022:veles:22 -l alexr door.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu - Enter your password to complete the login.
Note: You may now minimize or hide the terminal window, though it must remain open in
order for your NX connection to work
5. Run the OpenNX Client
1. Open the OpenNX Connection Wizard.
- Choose a session name (i.e. "homeNX") to identify the connection.
- You must enter Host "localhost" and Port "5022."
- Choose the appropriate internet connection type.
2. Choose GNOME and your desired desktop screen size.
3. Check the "Enable SSL Encryption of all traffic" box.
4. Show the Advanced Configuration dialog.
5. Set the key.
- Go back to Terminal and ssh from door to your linux computer. Run 'cat /usr/etc/nxclient.key'
- Press the "Key..." button in the NX client and copy/paste the key from the terminal (make sure to include the "BEGIN/END DSA PRIVATE KEY" sections) 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.
6. Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save your configuration.
7. Login with your NMR username and password.
8. Accept the RSA key finger print.
6. Close NX - Terminate or Disconnect?
- If you have processes running, and plan to return to them later, select "Disconnect." This option is similar to locking the screen if you were actually sitting at the console.
- Select "Terminate" if you are finished working and have no open windows you need to return to later. This option is similar to logging out of the console entirely -- any open programs will be closed automatically.
7. Close Terminal by entering 'exit' twice.
