CS 3220 Spring 2023

GT CS 3220 Processor Design

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Guide to accessing the assigned VM

Key Requirements

  1. Internet connection
  2. GT account (same as BuzzPort and Passport)

Download and install the Cisco AnyConnect GT VPN package

Note: Cisco AnyConnect no longer works for GT VPN. GT has changed to GlobalProtect VPN Client. So please install that instead.

Please read https://faq.oit.gatech.edu/content/how-do-i-get-started-campus-vpn on how to download the VPN and set it up for your OS.

Download and install the x2go client for your operating system

Please access https://wiki.x2go.org/doku.php/download:start to get the client for your OS

x2go

IMP Note for macOS users: You need to also download XQuartz as it is a required dependency https://www.xquartz.org/

Test out your VPN connection, once established that it’s set up and working you may proceed. From this point on, anytime you are accessing the remote system, you need to be on the GT VPN

Create a new connection/session in x2go with the following details

Host : [your assigned host] eg: synestia1.cc.gatech.edu

[NOTE: Your assinged host will be communicated via Piazza. Do not assume you can use any host you choose]

Login : [your GT username] eg: jdoe3

SSH port : 22

Session Type : XFCE

Do not select “Experimental”

All other fields should be left blank

Your configuration should look similar to this:

x2go_config

After clicking Ok, you can double click on the session icon to start up the session. (see image)

x2go_connect

Click Yes to trust the host key

verification

When it asks you for a password enter your GT account password (same as the one you use to login into Canvas)

If you see a dialogue box asking you for display preference, choose “default”

x2go_panel

After a few seconds, a new window should open which gives you your Linux GUI desktop. If you wish to resize, drag the bottom right corner to your desired size. X2go is slightly laggy when resizing so please don’t make drastic changes.

vm_desktop

Running Vivado 2020.2

Double click (or right click + execute) on the Vivado desktop icon.

vm_dekstop_2

Exiting your session

Under no circumstances whatsoever should you shut-down/reboot the VM. That task is only to be performed by admin. Please remember, these VMs are shared.

If the VM is not responding or something else has gone amiss, contact the TAs and make a post on Piazza

To properly terminate your session, please follow these steps:

In x2go click on the power icon (it should give a hint that says “Terminate”)

terminate_1

Click Yes

terminate_2

To re-login, just enter your password again

relogin

FAQ

I cannot access the VM

Possibility : Are you using the GT VPN?

Explanation : The VMs are not public facing. You cannot access them without either using the VPN or being on campus.

Remedy : Please ensure you use the VPN.

I cannot access the VM even after using the VPN

Possibility : Did you try many unsuccessful login attempts? These VMs are hosted by Georgia Tech TSO.

Explanation : TSO runs a utility called fail2ban on their systems where if a user tries too many unsuccessful attempts, then they would be banned by the system for a short amount of time. This is done to protect systems.

Remedy : Please wait for some time and try again. If the issue persists, contact TAs for further guidance/steps

The VM is really slow/laggy to the point I cannot use it

Possibility 1: It could be your RTT/ping to the VM.

Possibility 2: The VM is overloaded. Unfortunately, there is not much the teaching team can do about this but please contact the TAs.

Explanation : Even though the admin team is trying its best, being physically very far away from the server (eg: other country) or using a low bandwidth connection does lead to some issues.

Remedy : Please run ping <your assigned VM> from your command line and notify the TAs with the output. As an absolute worst case fallback, please install Xilinx WebPack locally on your machine.

My desktop background is not displaying/no icons are displaying!

Possibility : It could be your x2go client resolution.

Explanation : Unknown. Seems to be a bug

Remedy : Please change the resolution of x2go client and try again (see image below). If that doesn’t work please contact the TAs.

resolution