Single Sign-on from Your Desktop (Windows) - BETA

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Using GSI-SSHTerm—a customized GSI-enabled terminal window for your Windows machine—you can connect to multiple resources on the TeraGrid after logging in once. This Java-based terminal uses MyProxy and GSI-enabled SSH to create a single sign-on session, in which you can open windows to other resources without re-entering a password.

You have three methods for launching GSI-SSHTerm:

• Download the GSI-SSHTerm to install and run from your personal computer.
• Launch GSI-SSHTerm from a browser using a Java Web Start version that then runs independently of your browser.
• Run GSI-SSHTerm inside a web browser with a Java applet.

This page guides you through each option and then connecting to the TeraGrid. Regardless of the GSI-SSHTerm option you choose, you must have Java SDK 1.5 or higher installed to run the application.

Launching GSI-SSHTerm methods

A. GSI-SSHTerm stand-alone application

To download the GSI-SSHTerm as a stand-alone application, you begin with the Java Web Start application but save it to your computer rather than running it.

1. Go to the GSI-SSHTerm page.
2. In the top box, labelled Use credentials at myproxy.teragrid.org, click Java Web Start Version.
3. Choose Save To Disk.

The stand-alone application will download to the location you have chosen. It is named teragrid.jnlp.You can then double-click the application to run it. For instructions on logging in, see Logging in/Single sign-on below.

NCSA offers two GSI-SSHTerms: one using credentials for NCSA and one for TeraGrid. Be sure to use the application that uses credentials at TeraGrid.

B. GSI-SSHTerm Java Web Start application

GSI-SSHTerm can be launched from the web using Java Web Start. The application then runs independently of your browser.

1. Go to the GSI-SSHTerm page.
2. In the top box, labelled Use credentials at myproxy.teragrid.org, click Java Web Start Version.
3. Choose Open File.

The application will launch and save a shortcut to the Web Start version on your Desktop. For instructions on how to continue to logging in, see Logging in/Single sign-on below.

NCSA offers two GSI-SSHTerms: one using credentials for NCSA and one for TeraGrid. Be sure to use the application that uses credentials at TeraGrid.

C. Start GSI-SSHTerm in a web browser

The Java applet version of GSI-SSHTerm functions exactly the same as the stand-alone or Web Start versions. However, it runs in your browser, so closing your browser will terminate your connection. It still creates the same certificate proxies on your local machine.

1. Go to the GSI-SSHTerm page.
2. In the top box, labelled Use credentials at myproxy.teragrid.org, click the Java Applet.

Your browser will load the Java Applet. This option runs a little more slowly than the other options. Once the applet has finished loading, go to Logging in/Single sign-on below to continue logging in.

NCSA offers two GSI-SSHTerms: one using credentials for NCSA and one for TeraGrid. Be sure to use the application that uses credentials at TeraGrid.

Logging in/Single sign-on

These instructions assume that you have already launched the GSI-SSHTerm application, regardless of the method.

1. Since the application accesses your local file system, it is digitally signed. You will need to verify that you wish to run the application.
2. When a term window appears, choose New Connection from the File menu.
3. Type in a hostname of the TeraGrid resource you are choosing.
4. A small window appears asking for your username and password to myproxy.teragrid.org. Use your TeraGrid-wide username and password. This is the same as your TeraGrid Portal username and password.
5. When the certificate proxies are all downloaded and stored on your computer, the connection to the TeraGrid resource you chose will complete.

GSI-SSHTerm stores your proxy certificate locally on your personal computer. Therefore, regardless of the initial launching method and indeterminate of any subsequent launching method, you will be able to connect to additional resources without needing to login. To open another session, double-click the stand-alone application, launch the Java Web Start version, or open a new browser window and run the Java applet. Choose New Connection from the File menu and type in the hostname. You will automatically login.

This application is currently in BETA production. Expect limited support.