ECE Information Technology Services - User contributions [en]

HOWTOs For Users

2026-04-30T20:49:02Z

WikiSysop: /* Remote Access */

==Problems?==
* [[How To Report A Problem]]

==Computer / Network Access==
* [[How To Get An Account]]
* [[How To Secure Your Home Directory]]
* [[How To Change Your Password]]
* [[How To Obtain A Network Connection]]
* [[How to Request Access to a Server or Workstation]]

==Physical Access==
* [[Keys and Keyless Entry]]

==Profiles==
Read this if you have problems with downloading files, surfing the Internet,
assigning the default printer and printing PDF files from Windows workstations.
* [[How To Reset Your Profile]]
* [[How To Keep Your Profile Small]]

==Email==
* [[Email Quick Start|Email Quick Start/Client Configuration Guide]]
* [[How to Set Out of Office/Automatic Replies]]
* [[Anti-Phishing Measures]]
* [[How Received Email Is Processed]]
* [[Email Forwarding]]
* [[How To Sort Email Using Address Extensions]]
* [[How To Filter Out Spam]]
* [[The Departmental Mailing List Hierarchy]]

==Web==
* [[How To Publish Personal Web Content]]
* [[How To Password Protect Personal Web Content]]

==Remote Access==
* [[How To Use VPN and ubcprivate WiFi]]
* [[How To Use SSH]]
* [[X2go]]
* [[How To Display X Applications On Windows]]

==Applications==
* [[Table of Available Site-Licensed Software]]
* [[How To Prepare PDF From LaTeX]]
* MATLAB
** [[List of Available MATLAB Toolboxes]]
** [[How To Use the MATLAB Compiler]]
** [[Error When Using MATLAB Symbolic Math Toolbox on Linux]]
* [[OPNET 9.0 User Variables (Windows)]]

How To Obtain A Network Connection

2026-02-24T18:48:05Z

WikiSysop: /* Ethernet Link */

You can connect your computer to the network using an Ethernet or wireless link.

==Ethernet Link==
If you work in an ECE office or lab, please register your computer with us.
You will then be able to connect your device directly to the ECE network
using an Ethernet cable.

Please submit a service request (see
[[How To Report A Problem]]) containing the following
information:

* Supervisor's Name: ['''SUPERVISOR'S NAME''']
* Your Name: ['''FULL NAME''']
* [[How To Get An Account|ECE Account ID]]: ['''ACCOUNT ID''']
* Building and Room: ['''BUILDING NAME AND ROOM NUMBER''']
* Wall Jack's CCT Number: ['''CCT NUMBER''']
* Computer's MAC Address: ['''MAC ADDRESS''']
* Computer's ECE asset tag: ['''ECE ASSET TAG NUMBER''']
* Prefered Hostname: ['''HOSTNAME''']
* Device: ['''DESKTOP / LAPTOP / PRINTER / USB ADAPTER / DOCK / OTHER''']
* Expected Termination Date (if applicable): ['''YYYY-MM''']

MAC addresses (6 pairs of hexadecimal digits of the form xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx or
xx-xx-xx-xx-xx-xx) can be found via one of the commands listed below (in windows run cmd and give the command in the command window):

* Windows: ''ipconfig /all''
* macOS: ''ifconfig -a''
* Linux: ''ip a''

==Wireless Link==
Alternatively, you can connect to the
[https://it.ubc.ca/services/email-voice-internet/wireless-internet-access UBC wireless network]. The
wireless network is managed by UBC IT, so please contact them if you need
assistance.

When connected to the "ubcsecure" wireless network, your computer will be outside the ECE network. Most ECE resources such as workstations and printers will not be accessible.

When connected to the "ubcprivate" wireless network, your computer will be on the ECE network. ECE resources such as workstations and printers will be accessible.

The "ubcvisitor" wireless network is not secure, has limited access, and should not be used for UBC business.

How To Obtain A Network Connection

2026-02-24T17:52:34Z

WikiSysop: /* Ethernet Link */

You can connect your computer to the network using an Ethernet or wireless link.

==Ethernet Link==
If you work in an ECE office or lab, please register your computer with us.
You will then be able to connect your device directly to the ECE network
using an Ethernet cable.

Please submit a service request (see
[[How To Report A Problem]]) containing the following
information:

* Supervisor's Name: ['''SUPERVISOR'S NAME''']
* Your Name: ['''FULL NAME''']
* [[How To Get An Account|ECE Account ID]]: ['''ACCOUNT ID''']
* Building and Room: ['''BUILDING NAME AND ROOM NUMBER''']
* Wall Jack's CCT Number: ['''CCT NUMBER''']
* Computer's MAC Address: ['''MAC ADDRESS''']
* Computer's ECE asset tag: ['''ECE ASSET TAG NUMBER''']
* Prefered Hostname: ['''HOSTNAME''']
* Device: ['''DESKTOP / LAPTOP / PRINTER / USB ADAPTER / DOCK / OTHER''']
* Expected Termination Date (if applicable): ['''YYYY-MM''']

MAC addresses (6 pairs of hexadecimal digits of the form xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx or
xx-xx-xx-xx-xx-xx) can be found via one of the commands listed below (in windows run cmd and give the command in the command window):

* Windows 2000/XP/7/8: ''ipconfig /all''
* Linux, Mac OS X: ''/sbin/ifconfig -a''

==Wireless Link==
Alternatively, you can connect to the
[https://it.ubc.ca/services/email-voice-internet/wireless-internet-access UBC wireless network]. The
wireless network is managed by UBC IT, so please contact them if you need
assistance.

When connected to the "ubcsecure" wireless network, your computer will be outside the ECE network. Most ECE resources such as workstations and printers will not be accessible.

When connected to the "ubcprivate" wireless network, your computer will be on the ECE network. ECE resources such as workstations and printers will be accessible.

The "ubcvisitor" wireless network is not secure, has limited access, and should not be used for UBC business.

HOWTOs For Users

2025-11-14T18:43:37Z

WikiSysop:

==Problems?==
* [[How To Report A Problem]]

==Computer / Network Access==
* [[How To Get An Account]]
* [[How To Secure Your Home Directory]]
* [[How To Change Your Password]]
* [[How To Obtain A Network Connection]]
* [[How to Request Access to a Server or Workstation]]

==Physical Access==
* [[Keys and Keyless Entry]]

==Profiles==
Read this if you have problems with downloading files, surfing the Internet,
assigning the default printer and printing PDF files from Windows workstations.
* [[How To Reset Your Profile]]
* [[How To Keep Your Profile Small]]

==Email==
* [[Email Quick Start|Email Quick Start/Client Configuration Guide]]
* [[How to Set Out of Office/Automatic Replies]]
* [[Anti-Phishing Measures]]
* [[How Received Email Is Processed]]
* [[Email Forwarding]]
* [[How To Sort Email Using Address Extensions]]
* [[How To Filter Out Spam]]
* [[The Departmental Mailing List Hierarchy]]

==Web==
* [[How To Publish Personal Web Content]]
* [[How To Password Protect Personal Web Content]]

==Remote Access==
* [[How To Use VPN and ubcprivate WiFi]]
* [[How To Use SSH]]
* [[X2go]]
* [[How To Tunnel Connections Through SSH]]
* [[How To Display X Applications On Windows]]

==Applications==
* [[Table of Available Site-Licensed Software]]
* [[How To Prepare PDF From LaTeX]]
* MATLAB
** [[List of Available MATLAB Toolboxes]]
** [[How To Use the MATLAB Compiler]]
** [[Error When Using MATLAB Symbolic Math Toolbox on Linux]]
* [[OPNET 9.0 User Variables (Windows)]]

How To Use VPN and ubcprivate WiFi

2025-11-03T05:06:34Z

WikiSysop:

There are two VPNs in use at ECE, the UBC VPN and the ECE VPN.

'''UBC''' VPN:

The UBC VPN provides access from off-campus to University license servers, as well as ssh.ece.ubc.ca, ssh-linux.ece.ubc.ca, ssh-ubuntu.ece.ubc.ca, and ssh-soc.ece.ubc.ca. '''This is the only VPN access required for completion of undergraduate course assignments, and all undergraduates have been provided with access to it.''' For further information and support please see https://it.ubc.ca/services/email-voice-internet/myvpn.

'''ECE''' VPN:

Access to ECE resources such as workstations, printers, and network shares is limited to ECE subnets, the ECE VPN, and the "ubcprivate" wifi network. All other access is blocked by the ECE firewall.

For access to the ECE VPN and ubcprivate, contact it@ece.ubc.ca. In your request, please specify your CWL username and your affiliation with ECE.

Please note that ECE VPN login now requires Multi Factor Authentication ("MFA").

https://it.ubc.ca/services/accounts-passwords/multi-factor-authentication-mfa

==Connecting to the ECE VPN==

On computers that are maintained by IT staff, the Cisco Secure Client VPN client can be installed on machines running Windows using the "Software Center" application, and on Macs using the "Self Service" application. The client can also be downloaded from https://ubc.onthehub.com/.

To log onto the ECE VPN, append <code>.ece</code> to your CWL login, and the method used for Multi-factor authentication. For example, if your CWL login is <code>''spock''</code> and you use the Duo app for MFA, log on as <code>''spock''.ece@app</code>. Password is your CWL password.

==Connecting to the ubcprivate WiFi network==
If you have been granted access to ubcprivate, append <code>.ece</code> to your CWL login. For example, if your CWL login is <code>''spock''</code>, log on as <code>''spock''.ece</code>.

==Connecting to ECE computing resources==
When connecting to an ECE computing resource from within the VPN or ubcprivate use its fully qualified domain name, i.e. <code>computer.ece.ubc.ca</code>, rather than <code>computer</code>.

==See Also==
* [[How To Tunnel Connections Through SSH]]

How To Use VPN and ubcprivate WiFi

2025-11-03T02:54:58Z

WikiSysop:

There are two VPNs in use at ECE, the UBC VPN and the ECE VPN.

'''UBC''' VPN:

The UBC VPN provides access from off-campus to University license servers, as well as ssh.ece.ubc.ca, ssh-linux.ece.ubc.ca, ssh-ubuntu.ece.ubc.ca, and ssh-soc.ece.ubc.ca. '''This is the only VPN access required for completion of undergraduate course assignments, and all undergraduates have been provided with access to it.''' For further information and support please see https://it.ubc.ca/services/email-voice-internet/myvpn.

'''ECE''' VPN:

Access to ECE resources such as workstations, printers, and network shares is limited to ECE subnets, the ECE VPN, and the "ubcprivate" wifi network. All other access is blocked by the ECE firewall.

For access to the ECE VPN and ubcprivate, contact it@ece.ubc.ca. In your request, please specify your CWL username and your affiliation with ECE.

Please note that ECE VPN login now requires Multi Factor Authentication ("MFA").

https://it.ubc.ca/services/accounts-passwords/multi-factor-authentication-mfa

==Connecting to the '''ECE''' VPN==

On computers that are maintained by IT staff, the Cisco Secure Client VPN client can be installed on machines running Windows using the "Software Center" application, and on Macs using the "Self Service" application. The client can also be downloaded from https://ubc.onthehub.com/.

To log onto the ECE VPN, append <code>.ece</code> to your CWL login, and the method used for Multi-factor authentication. For example, if your CWL login is <code>''spock''</code> and you use the Duo app for MFA, log on as <code>''spock''.ece@app</code>. Password is your CWL password.

==Connecting to the ubcprivate WiFi network==
If you have been granted access to ubcprivate, append <code>.ece</code> to your CWL login. For example, if your CWL login is <code>''spock''</code>, log on as <code>''spock''.ece</code>.

==Connecting to ECE computing resources==
When connecting to an ECE computing resource from within the VPN or ubcprivate use its fully qualified domain name, i.e. <code>computer.ece.ubc.ca</code>, rather than <code>computer</code>.

==See Also==
* [[How To Tunnel Connections Through SSH]]

How To Use VPN

2025-11-03T02:38:06Z

WikiSysop:

There are two VPNs in use at ECE, the UBC VPN and the ECE VPN.

'''UBC''' VPN:

The UBC VPN provides access from off-campus to University license servers, as well as ssh.ece.ubc.ca, ssh-linux.ece.ubc.ca, ssh-ubuntu.ece.ubc.ca, and ssh-soc.ece.ubc.ca. '''This is the only VPN access required for completion of undergraduate course assignments, and all undergraduates have been provided with access to it.''' For further information and support please see https://it.ubc.ca/services/email-voice-internet/myvpn.

Please note that UBC VPN login now requires Multi Factor Authentication ("MFA").

https://it.ubc.ca/services/accounts-passwords/multi-factor-authentication-mfa

'''ECE''' VPN:

Access to ECE resources such as workstations, printers, and network shares is limited to ECE subnets, the ECE VPN, and the "ubcprivate" wifi network. All other access is blocked by the ECE firewall.

For access to the ECE VPN and ubcprivate, contact it@ece.ubc.ca. In your request, please specify your CWL username and your affiliation with ECE.

==Connecting to the ECE VPN==

To obtain the Cisco Secure VPN client please see https://it.ubc.ca/services/email-voice-internet/myvpn.

If you have been granted access to the ECE VPN, append <code>.ece</code> to your CWL login. For example, if your CWL login is <code>''spock''</code>, log on as <code>''spock''.ece</code>. (Without the <code>.ece</code> suffix, you would be placed on the UBC VPN, outside the ECE firewall.)

Please note that ECE VPN login now requires Multi Factor Authentication ("MFA").

https://it.ubc.ca/services/accounts-passwords/multi-factor-authentication-mfa

==Connecting to the ubcprivate wifi network==
If you have been granted access to ubcprivate, append <code>.ece</code> to your CWL login. For example, if your CWL login is <code>''spock''</code>, log on as <code>''spock''.ece</code>.

How To Use VPN and ubcprivate WiFi

2025-11-03T01:35:30Z

WikiSysop:

There are two VPNs in use at ECE, the UBC VPN and the ECE VPN.

'''UBC''' VPN:

The UBC VPN provides access from off-campus to University license servers, as well as ssh.ece.ubc.ca, ssh-linux.ece.ubc.ca, and ssh-ubuntu.ece.ubc.ca. '''This is the only VPN access required for completion of undergraduate course assignments, and all undergraduates have been provided with access to it.''' For further information and support please see https://it.ubc.ca/services/email-voice-internet/myvpn.

'''ECE''' VPN:

Access to ECE resources such as workstations, printers, and network shares is limited to ECE subnets, the ECE VPN, and the "ubcprivate" wifi network. All other access is blocked by the ECE firewall.

For access to the ECE VPN and ubcprivate, contact it@ece.ubc.ca. In your request, please specify your CWL username and your affiliation with ECE.

Please note that ECE VPN login now requires Multi Factor Authentication ("MFA").

https://it.ubc.ca/services/accounts-passwords/multi-factor-authentication-mfa

==Connecting to the '''ECE''' VPN==

On computers that are maintained by IT staff, the Cisco Secure Client VPN client can be installed on machines running Windows using the "Software Center" application, and on Macs using the "Self Service" application. The client can also be downloaded from https://ubc.onthehub.com/.

To log onto the ECE VPN, append <code>.ece</code> to your CWL login, and the method used for Multi-factor authentication. For example, if your CWL login is <code>''spock''</code> and you use the Duo app for MFA, log on as <code>''spock''.ece@app</code>. Password is your CWL password.

==Connecting to the ubcprivate WiFi network==
If you have been granted access to ubcprivate, append <code>.ece</code> to your CWL login. For example, if your CWL login is <code>''spock''</code>, log on as <code>''spock''.ece</code>.

==Connecting to ECE computing resources==
When connecting to an ECE computing resource from within the VPN or ubcprivate use its fully qualified domain name, i.e. <code>computer.ece.ubc.ca</code>, rather than <code>computer</code>.

==See Also==
* [[How To Tunnel Connections Through SSH]]

How To Use VPN and ubcprivate WiFi

2025-11-03T01:32:03Z

WikiSysop:

There are two VPNs in use at ECE, the UBC VPN and the ECE VPN.

'''UBC''' VPN:

The UBC VPN provides access from off-campus to University license servers, as well as ssh.ece.ubc.ca, ssh-linux.ece.ubc.ca, and ssh-ubuntu.ece.ubc.ca. '''This is the only VPN access required for completion of undergraduate course assignments, and all undergraduates have been provided with access to it.''' For further information and support please see https://it.ubc.ca/services/email-voice-internet/myvpn.

'''ECE''' VPN:

Access to ECE resources such as workstations, printers, and network shares is limited to ECE subnets, the ECE VPN, and the "ubcprivate" wifi network. All other access is blocked by the ECE firewall.

For access to the ECE VPN and ubcprivate, contact it@ece.ubc.ca. In your request, please specify your CWL username and your affiliation with ECE.

Please note that ECE VPN login now requires Multi Factor Authentication ("MFA").

https://it.ubc.ca/services/accounts-passwords/multi-factor-authentication-mfa

==Connecting to the '''UBC''' VPN==
On computers that are maintained by IT staff, the Cisco Secure Client VPN client can be installed on machines running Windows using the "Software Center" application, and on Macs using the "Self Service" application. The client can also be downloaded from https://ubc.onthehub.com/.

For further information and support please see https://it.ubc.ca/services/email-voice-internet/myvpn.

==Connecting to the '''ECE''' VPN==

On computers that are maintained by IT staff, the Cisco Secure Client VPN client can be installed on machines running Windows using the "Software Center" application, and on Macs using the "Self Service" application. The client can also be downloaded from https://ubc.onthehub.com/.

To log onto the ECE VPN, append <code>.ece</code> to your CWL login, and the method used for Multi-factor authentication. For example, if your CWL login is <code>''spock''</code> and you use the Duo app for MFA, log on as <code>''spock''.ece@app</code>. Password is your CWL password.

==Connecting to the ubcprivate WiFi network==
If you have been granted access to ubcprivate, append <code>.ece</code> to your CWL login. For example, if your CWL login is <code>''spock''</code>, log on as <code>''spock''.ece</code>.

==Connecting to ECE computing resources==
When connecting to an ECE computing resource from within the VPN or ubcprivate use its fully qualified domain name, i.e. <code>computer.ece.ubc.ca</code>, rather than <code>computer</code>.

==See Also==
* [[How To Tunnel Connections Through SSH]]

How To Use VPN

2025-11-03T00:41:15Z

WikiSysop:

HOWTOs For Users

2025-10-10T23:35:46Z

WikiSysop: /* Remote Access */

==Problems?==
* [[How To Report A Problem]]
* [[How To Contact Us]]

==Computer / Network Access==
* [[How To Get An Account]]
* [[How To Secure Your Home Directory]]
* [[How To Change Your Password]]
* [[How To Obtain A Network Connection]]
* [[How to Request Access to a Server or Workstation]]

==Physical Access==
* [[Keys and Keyless Entry]]

==Profiles==
Read this if you have problems with downloading files, surfing the Internet,
assigning the default printer and printing PDF files from Windows workstations.
* [[How To Reset Your Profile]]
* [[How To Keep Your Profile Small]]

==Email==
* [[Email Quick Start|Email Quick Start/Client Configuration Guide]]
* [[How to Set Out of Office/Automatic Replies]]
* [[Anti-Phishing Measures]]
* [[How Received Email Is Processed]]
* [[Email Forwarding]]
* [[How To Sort Email Using Address Extensions]]
* [[How To Filter Out Spam]]
* [[The Departmental Mailing List Hierarchy]]

==Web==
* [[How To Publish Personal Web Content]]
* [[How To Password Protect Personal Web Content]]

==Remote Access==
* [[How To Use VPN and ubcprivate WiFi]]
* [[How To Use SSH]]
* [[X2go]]
* [[How To Tunnel Connections Through SSH]]
* [[How To Display X Applications On Windows]]

==Applications==
* [[Table of Available Site-Licensed Software]]
* [[How To Prepare PDF From LaTeX]]
* MATLAB
** [[List of Available MATLAB Toolboxes]]
** [[How To Use the MATLAB Compiler]]
** [[Error When Using MATLAB Symbolic Math Toolbox on Linux]]
* [[OPNET 9.0 User Variables (Windows)]]

Password change Sep 2025 followup

2025-09-26T20:55:51Z

WikiSysop: Created page with "== Urgent Reminder: ECE Account Password Reset Required Today == Dear Colleagues, Many ECE departmental accounts have not yet been updated with the required password reset...."

== Urgent Reminder: ECE Account Password Reset Required Today ==

Dear Colleagues,

Many ECE departmental accounts have not yet been updated with the required password reset.

As a reminder, All ECE accounts must be updated by tonight to prevent suspension. Accounts that are not reset by midnight tonight will be automatically disabled, which could result in interruptions to your access and services.

If you have not yet updated your password, please do so immediately. If you need assistance, contact it@ece.ubc.ca.

Remember, your new password must be at least 16 characters ideally using three or more space-separated words.

If you have already changed your password this week, thank you for your cooperation. Otherwise, please attend to this critical matter today to avoid problems accessing your account.

In accordance with ECE's anti-phishing policy, a copy of this message has been posted to https://help.ece.ubc.ca/Password_change_Sep_2025_followup so that you can verify its authenticity.

Sincerely,

Steve Wilton 
Professor & Department Head 
Electrical and Computer Engineering 
University of British Columbia

How To Use SSH

2025-09-24T19:40:48Z

WikiSysop:

==Background==
SSH (Secure Shell) is a protocol that can be used to:

* obtain a shell prompt on a remote computer to execute command-line programs
* [[How To Display X Applications On Windows|forward X11 connections]] to execute graphical programs remotely
* establish encrypted data tunnels to act as a makeshift VPN
* transfer files between computers using the associated SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) or SCP (Secure Copy) protocols

SSH accomplishes all of these tasks using encrypted connections, preventing
other network users from evesdropping on your communication and impersonating
you. SSH replaces the older rsh, rexec, telnet and ftp protocols, which are
not permitted on departmental servers because they transmit usernames and
passwords unencrypted.

SSH utilities are available for all common operating systems.

==Available SSH Clients==

===Departmental Windows Workstations===
The departmental Windows workstations have
[http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/ PuTTY] as well as MobaXterm.

===Personal Use on Windows Workstations===
There are two Windows-based clients that you may wish to try:

# [http://mobaxterm.mobatek.net/download.html MobaXterm] has a free personal edition which provides, telnet, X11/Xterm and secure FTP for transferring files, CYGwin etc. in one executable file.
# [http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/ PuTTY] is a free Win32 Telnet/SSH client.
# [http://winscp.sf.net/eng WinSCP] is a free graphical client for transferring files using SCP/SFTP.

===Departmental Linux Workstations===
The departmental Linux workstations have the
[http://www.openssh.org OpenSSH] version of the ssh, scp, and sftp tools
installed.

===Mac OS X===
Mac OS X includes ''ssh'', ''scp'', and ''sftp'' as commands accessible
through the Terminal. For transferring files using SCP/SFTP, you may find [http://cyberduck.ch/ Cyberduck] useful.

==Available SSH Servers==
The department runs several Linux servers that are accessible by SSH from the Internet. In your SSH client, specify <tt>ssh.ece.ubc.ca</tt> as the hostname to connect to. A load balancer will automatically assign you to one of the available servers.

<tt>ssh.ece.ubc.ca</tt> will require access through UBC myVPN when off-campus.

You will be required to connect to the ECE SSH server first using either:
# The UBC "general" myVPN [https://ubc.service-now.com/selfservice?id=kb_article&sysparm_article=KB0016157 UBC IT how-to guide]
# ECE departmental myVPN (staff, faculty, and student workers only) [https://help.ece.ubc.ca/How_To_Use_VPN How_To_Use_VPN]

Researchers' workstations are protected by a firewall. If your client is outside the ECE network, you will not be able to SSH directly to your workstation. Instead, you should SSH to <tt>ssh.ece.ubc.ca</tt>, and within that SSH session, SSH to your workstation.

How To Use SSH

2025-09-24T19:40:20Z

WikiSysop:

==Background==
SSH (Secure Shell) is a protocol that can be used to:

* obtain a shell prompt on a remote computer to execute command-line programs
* [[How To Display X Applications On Windows|forward X11 connections]] to execute graphical programs remotely
* establish encrypted data tunnels to act as a makeshift VPN
* transfer files between computers using the associated SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) or SCP (Secure Copy) protocols

SSH accomplishes all of these tasks using encrypted connections, preventing
other network users from evesdropping on your communication and impersonating
you. SSH replaces the older rsh, rexec, telnet and ftp protocols, which are
not permitted on departmental servers because they transmit usernames and
passwords unencrypted.

SSH utilities are available for all common operating systems.

==Available SSH Clients==

===Departmental Windows Workstations===
The departmental Windows workstations have
[http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/ PuTTY] as well as MobaXterm.

===Personal Use on Windows Workstations===
There are two Windows-based clients that you may wish to try:

# [http://mobaxterm.mobatek.net/download.html MobaXterm] has a free personal edition which provides, telnet, X11/Xterm and secure FTP for transferring files, CYGwin etc. in one executable file.
# [http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/ PuTTY] is a free Win32 Telnet/SSH client.
# [http://winscp.sf.net/eng WinSCP] is a free graphical client for transferring files using SCP/SFTP.

===Departmental Linux Workstations===
The departmental Linux workstations have the
[http://www.openssh.org OpenSSH] version of the ssh, scp, and sftp tools
installed.

===Mac OS X===
Mac OS X includes ''ssh'', ''scp'', and ''sftp'' as commands accessible
through the Terminal. For transferring files using SCP/SFTP, you may find [http://cyberduck.ch/ Cyberduck] useful.

==Available SSH Servers==
The department runs several Linux servers that are accessible by SSH from the Internet. In your SSH client, specify <tt>ssh.ece.ubc.ca</tt> as the hostname to connect to. A load balancer will automatically assign you to one of the available servers. <tt>ssh.ece.ubc.ca</tt> will require access through UBC myVPN when off-campus.

You will be required to connect to the ECE SSH server first using either:
# The UBC "general" myVPN [https://ubc.service-now.com/selfservice?id=kb_article&sysparm_article=KB0016157 UBC IT how-to guide]
# ECE departmental myVPN (staff, faculty, and student workers only) [https://help.ece.ubc.ca/How_To_Use_VPN How_To_Use_VPN]

Researchers' workstations are protected by a firewall. If your client is outside the ECE network, you will not be able to SSH directly to your workstation. Instead, you should SSH to <tt>ssh.ece.ubc.ca</tt>, and within that SSH session, SSH to your workstation.

Password change Sep 2025

2025-09-23T02:11:14Z

WikiSysop: Created page with "= ECE Department Account Password Reset (ACTION REQUIRED) = In the past two weeks, our department has experienced two cybersecurity incidents involving compromised ECE accoun..."

= ECE Department Account Password Reset (ACTION REQUIRED) =

In the past two weeks, our department has experienced two cybersecurity incidents involving compromised ECE accounts. In both cases, attackers exploited weak passwords to gain access and carry out malicious activity. These breaches put our operations — and the trust placed in us by our students, faculty, and the university — at risk.

As a precaution and to strengthen our defenses, all users of ECE Departmental Accounts are required to reset their passwords by end of day, Friday, September 26th. (note: this refers to your ECE account, not your CWL. These accounts should have different passwords).

To reset your ECE account password, visit https://id.ece.ubc.ca. After logging in, click the “Change password…” button on the main page.

Your new password must follow these requirements:

* At least 16 characters, using at least three space-separated words. Example:
sunshine blue trees swimming

Additional guidance:

* Always use a unique password for each account.
* Never reuse your departmental password for personal services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo).
* Change your password at least once a year.
* Consider using a password manager. Managing multiple strong passwords can be challenging, but password managers make it easier and more secure. They store your credentials in an encrypted vault, generate strong passwords for new accounts, and auto-fill login forms across your devices. Setting one up may take a little time, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the effort. UBC’s Privacy Matters site offers guidance - https://privacymatters.ubc.ca/i-want/password-manager
* Never share your password. ECE IT staff will never ask you for it.
* All legitimate ECE services will only request your password over encrypted connections (such as HTTPS, SSH, or IMAPS). Any service that asks for your ECE password over unencrypted HTTP or by e-mail is fraudulent.
* If you receive a suspicious message that appears to be from UBC or ECE IT Services, contact us at it@ece.ubc.ca before responding.
* In line with ECE IT’s anti-phishing policy, a copy of this notice has also been posted at: https://help.ece.ubc.ca/Password_change_Sep_2025

This reset is an essential step in protecting our department from further compromise. Accounts not updated by end of day, Friday, September 26th may be disabled until a reset is completed.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter and for helping us safeguard our community.

Sincerely,

Steve Wilton 
Professor, Department Head 
Electrical and Computer Engineering 
University of British Columbia

How To Change Your Password

2025-09-20T00:20:58Z

WikiSysop: /* Method 4: In person */

There are four methods for changing the password for your ECE account. Whichever method you use, the same new password will apply for Windows workstations in the <tt>UBC_ECE</tt> domain, Unix/Linux servers and workstations managed by ECE IT Services, and ECE mail servers.

===Method 1: Using the Self-Service ECE Account Management web application===
You can use this method if you know your old password. '''Students, faculty, and staff who have a [https://www.cwl.ubc.ca/ Campus-Wide Login] account can also use this method even if you don't know the password for your ECE account.'''
# Go to https://id.ece.ubc.ca
# Log in using either your ECE or CWL account
# If you are eligible for a self-service password change, click <tt>Change Password…</tt>. Otherwise, you will have to change your password in person (see Method 4 below).

===Method 2: Using a Windows workstation===
You can do this on a Windows workstation in the <tt>UBC_ECE</tt> domain, such as those in the undergraduate computer labs.
# Log on using your ECE account (be sure to select the <tt>UBC_ECE</tt> domain when doing so)
# Press ''Ctrl''-''Alt''-''Del''
# Click on ''Change Password...''
# Ensure that ''Log on to'' is set to the ''UBC_ECE'' domain. (Changing the password for your account in any other domain, such as ''UBC_ECE_STAFF'', does not affect your Unix / mail password.)
# Enter your old and new passwords

===Method 3: Using one of the <tt>ssh-linux</tt> servers===
You can do this from any Internet-connected computer that has an Secure Shell client.
# Use [[How To Use SSH|SSH]] to connect to <tt>ssh.ece.ubc.ca</tt>
# At the shell prompt, run the ''passwd'' command
# Enter your old and new passwords when prompted

===Method 4: In person===
See IT staff in MacLeod 3017 to change your password. Photo ID required.

==Password Complexity Rules==
The system will reject any password that is not sufficiently complex. Select a password that:
* has all of the following types of characters:
** Upper-case letters, lower-case letters, digits, and punctuation.
** Upper-case letters at the beginning of your password and digits at the end of your password do not count towards meeting this requirement.
* is different from your previous password
* is at least eight characters in length
* is not similar to a word
* is not similar to your name or username

These requirements are based on the UBC Information Security Manual V3.0 (Draft) and [http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver/en/library/d406b824-857c-4c2a-8de2-9b7ecbfa6e511033.mspx Microsoft's built-in rules].

Alternatively, you can choose a passphrase of 16 characters or more. With a passphrase, there is no requirement to use different types of characters, except that there must be at least two space characters (i.e. three words). However, it must still not be based on your name.

ELEC 401 Winter 2025-26 Term 1

2025-09-18T16:31:30Z

WikiSysop:

Students enrolled in ELEC 401 Winter 2025/26 Term 1 are asked to note the following:

Although you have been told that you require access to the ECE VPN, that is not the case.

The X2go server at ssh-soc.ece.ubc.ca can be accessed from the "ubcsecure" wireless network (on-campus) and from the '''UBC''' VPN (if you are off-campus).

For information about how to obtain the "Cisco Secure" VPN client and connect to the UBC VPN please see https://it.ubc.ca/services/email-voice-internet/myvpn.

For support with issues involving ubcsecure and the UBC VPN please contact the IT Service Centre Help Desk.

https://it.ubc.ca/got-question-about-it-products-and-support#itsc

For support with X2go issues please send an email to it@ece.ubc.ca describing what you did and what the results were, including any error messages you may have received.

Thank you,

UBC IT Services Team @ ECE

ELEC 401 Winter 2025-26 Term 1

2025-09-18T16:24:36Z

WikiSysop: Created page with "Students enrolled in ELEC 401 Winter 2025/26 Term 1 are asked to note the following: Although you have been told that you require access to the ECE VPN, that is not the case...."

Email Forwarding

2025-09-04T19:01:35Z

WikiSysop:

Staff and faculty considering forwarding email to a destination outside of UBC should be aware of policies set by University Counsel to ensure compliance with requirements laid out in FIPPA, the provincial Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Such forwarding is permitted only in very limited circumstances, and never to hosts located outside of Canada, such as gmail.

https://universitycounsel.ubc.ca/files/2025/04/Fact-Sheet-Privacy-of-Email-Systems-updated-Apr-2025.pdf

How To Get An Account

2025-09-03T17:35:33Z

WikiSysop: /* Undergraduate and MEng students */

==Undergraduate and MEng students==
Accounts for undergraduates registered in ECE courses and MEng students are created automatically. To activate your account please log onto https://id.ece.ubc.ca and set your account password.

'''CPEN 211 students 2025/26, Winter Term 1:'''

Please note that your ECE accounts are created automatically. Please do not submit an account creation request.

Your account password can be set at https://id.ece.ubc.ca.

If you experience issues with setting your account password, please send an email to it@ece.ubc.ca, describing what you did and what the results were, and include any error messages you may have received.

==All Others==
Please send an email with subject "Request for ECE account" to it@ece.ubc.ca, with the following information:

* Your full name
* Department or Organization (if not ECE)
* Your student or employee number (if you have both, please provide your student number)
* Name of your supervisor
* Your preferred username
* An email address that you can currently be reached at
* Your affiliation with ECE:
** One of the following: MASC student, PhD student, Postdoc, Faculty, Staff, Coop, Visitor, Other

The use of all department computing resources is subject to UBC's [https://cio.ubc.ca/information-security/information-security-policy-standards-and-resources policies], in particular Policy SC14 (Acceptable Use and Security of UBC Electronic Information and Systems).

How To Get An Account

2025-09-03T17:20:40Z

WikiSysop: /* Undergraduate and MEng students */

==Undergraduate and MEng students==
Accounts for undergraduates registered in ECE courses and MEng students are created automatically. To activate your account please log onto https://id.ece.ubc.ca and set your account password.

'''CPEN 211 students 2025/26, Winter Term 1:'''

Please note that your ECE accounts are created automatically. Please do not submit an account creation request.

Your account password can be set at https://id.ece.ubc.ca.

If you experience issues with setting your account password, please send an email to it@ece.ubc.ca, describing what you did and what the results were, and include any error messages you may have received.

==All Others==
Please send an email with subject "Request for ECE account" to it@ece.ubc.ca, with the following information:

* Your full name
* Department or Organization (if not ECE)
* Your student or employee number (if you have both, please provide your student number)
* Name of your supervisor
* Your preferred username
* An email address that you can currently be reached at
* Your affiliation with ECE:
** One of the following: MASC student, PhD student, Postdoc, Faculty, Staff, Coop, Visitor, Other

The use of all department computing resources is subject to UBC's [https://cio.ubc.ca/information-security/information-security-policy-standards-and-resources policies], in particular Policy SC14 (Acceptable Use and Security of UBC Electronic Information and Systems).

How to Request Access to a Server or Workstation

2025-08-02T01:50:24Z

WikiSysop:

If you require root access to a server or workstation managed by ECE IT, please submit a service request (see [[How To Report A Problem]]) containing the following information and provide supervisor approval:

* Supervisor's Name: ['''SUPERVISOR'S NAME''']
* Your Name: ['''FULL NAME''']
* Server/Workstation's Hostname: ['''HOSTNAME''']
* [[How To Get An Account|ECE Account ID]]: ['''ACCOUNT ID''']
* [https://it.ubc.ca/services/accounts-passwords/campus-wide-login-cwl/how-create-account UBC CWL ID]: ['''CWL ID''']

The use of all department computing resources is subject to UBC's [https://cio.ubc.ca/information-security/information-security-policy-standards-and-resources policies], in particular Policy SC14 (Acceptable Use and Security of UBC Electronic Information and Systems).

How to Request Access to a Server or Workstation

2025-08-02T01:44:49Z

WikiSysop:

If you require root access to a server or workstation managed by ECE IT, please submit a service request (see [[How To Report A Problem]]) containing the following information and provide supervisor approval:

* Supervisor's Name: ['''SUPERVISOR'S NAME''']
* Your Name: ['''FULL NAME''']
* Server/Workstation's Hostname: ['''HOSTNAME''']
* [[How To Get An Account|ECE Account ID]]: ['''ACCOUNT ID''']

The use of all department computing resources is subject to UBC's [https://cio.ubc.ca/information-security/information-security-policy-standards-and-resources policies], in particular Policy SC14 (Acceptable Use and Security of UBC Electronic Information and Systems).

How to Request Access to a Server or Workstation

2025-08-02T00:05:19Z

WikiSysop:

If you require root access to a server or workstation managed by ECE IT, please submit a service request (see [[How To Report A Problem]]) containing the following information and provide supervisor approval:

* Supervisor's Name: ['''SUPERVISOR'S NAME''']
* Your Name: ['''FULL NAME''']
* [[How To Get An Account|ECE Account ID]]: ['''ACCOUNT ID''']
* Server's Hostname: ['''HOSTNAME''']

The use of all department computing resources is subject to UBC's [https://cio.ubc.ca/information-security/information-security-policy-standards-and-resources policies], in particular Policy SC14 (Acceptable Use and Security of UBC Electronic Information and Systems).

How to Request Access to a Server or Workstation

2025-08-01T23:26:51Z

WikiSysop: Created page with "If you require root access to a server or workstation managed by ECE IT, please submit a service request (see How To Report A Problem) containing the following information..."

If you require root access to a server or workstation managed by ECE IT, please submit a service request (see [[How To Report A Problem]]) containing the following information and provide supervisor approval:

* Supervisor's Name: ['''SUPERVISOR'S NAME''']
* Your Name: ['''FULL NAME''']
* [[How To Get An Account|ECE Account ID]]: ['''ACCOUNT ID''']
* Server's MAC Address: ['''MAC ADDRESS''']
* Server's Hostname: ['''HOSTNAME''']

The use of all department computing resources is subject to UBC's [https://cio.ubc.ca/information-security/information-security-policy-standards-and-resources policies], in particular Policy SC14 (Acceptable Use and Security of UBC Electronic Information and Systems).

HOWTOs For Users

2025-08-01T23:18:58Z

WikiSysop: /* Computer / Network Access */

==Problems?==
* [[How To Report A Problem]]
* [[How To Contact Us]]

==Computer / Network Access==
* [[How To Get An Account]]
* [[How To Secure Your Home Directory]]
* [[How To Change Your Password]]
* [[How To Obtain A Network Connection]]
* [[How to Request Access to a Server or Workstation]]

==Physical Access==
* [[Keys and Keyless Entry]]

==Profiles==
Read this if you have problems with downloading files, surfing the Internet,
assigning the default printer and printing PDF files from Windows workstations.
* [[How To Reset Your Profile]]
* [[How To Keep Your Profile Small]]

==Email==
* [[Email Quick Start|Email Quick Start/Client Configuration Guide]]
* [[How to Set Out of Office/Automatic Replies]]
* [[Anti-Phishing Measures]]
* [[How Received Email Is Processed]]
* [[Email Forwarding]]
* [[How To Sort Email Using Address Extensions]]
* [[How To Filter Out Spam]]
* [[The Departmental Mailing List Hierarchy]]

==Web==
* [[How To Publish Personal Web Content]]
* [[How To Password Protect Personal Web Content]]

==Remote Access==
* [[How To Use VPN and ubcprivate WiFi]]
* [[How To Use SSH]]
* [[X2go]]
* [[How To Connect to a Virtual Lab Computer]]
* [[How To Tunnel Connections Through SSH]]
* [[How To Display X Applications On Windows]]

==Applications==
* [[Table of Available Site-Licensed Software]]
* [[How To Prepare PDF From LaTeX]]
* MATLAB
** [[List of Available MATLAB Toolboxes]]
** [[How To Use the MATLAB Compiler]]
** [[Error When Using MATLAB Symbolic Math Toolbox on Linux]]
* [[OPNET 9.0 User Variables (Windows)]]

File:X2go-7.png

2025-07-29T18:31:58Z

WikiSysop: WikiSysop reverted File:X2go-7.png to an old version

X2go

2025-07-29T18:27:15Z

WikiSysop: /* Installation and Configuration of x2go Client */

== Features ==
x2go is open source technology remote desktop technology based on the NX protocol.

It provides users with a feature rich Linux desktop giving the user the ability to access Linux applications without the need to dual boot, or use virtualizing technology. For example, if you would like access to the latest version of MATLAB, you can either use x2go to present a full desktop, or to present only a single application. In addition to MATLAB, other applications include CMC/CAD licensed applications.

At the moment, this service is not available to the general ECE user base as it's consider a beta/trial service.

See [[#Known Bugs and Issues|this link]] for known issues.

== Installation and Configuration of x2go Client ==

1. Download x2go client:

2020-03-20: For Windows, please use the version linked to below. Latest version is causing issues for some users.

* Windows: https://code.x2go.org/releases/binary-win32/x2goclient/releases/4.1.2.0-2018.06.22/x2goclient-4.1.2.0-2018.06.22-setup.exe
* macOS: http://code.x2go.org/releases/X2GoClient_latest_macosx_10_13.dmg

macOS users will need to download and install the X11 libraries from:
https://www.xquartz.org/

2. Install x2go client.

3. Configure new x2go session:
* Server FQDN: '''ssh-soc.ece.ubc.ca'''
** Note that at this time, access to ssh-soc from off-campus requires use of the UBC VPN service.
***https://it.ubc.ca/services/email-voice-internet/myvpn
* Session type:
** Select '''XFCE'''.

3.1. Create a new session by clicking on the button highlighted in red

[[File:x2go-1.png]]

3.2. Populate all fields highlighted in red

[[File:x2go-8.png]]

3.3. You may want to play around with the connection settings to optimize user experience.

With the right connection settings, the experience of using a streaming video service like Youtube over x2go should be fairly identical to a local browser. In most situations, setting this to LAN provides a decent experience but obviously this highly depends on the available network throughput of your network connection.

[[File:x2go-3.png]]

Note that audio doesn’t work correctly with OS X clients.

4. Once configured, start a new x2go session by clicking on the session browser on the right.

[[File:x2go-4.png]]

4.1. Login with your ECE credentials

[[File:x2go-5.png]]

Result:

[[File:x2go-6.png]]

This technology behaves very similarly to Microsoft’s RDP/terminal services. By disconnecting your client, your session is still active on the server and you can resume the session by reconnecting to this service using the x2go client.

== Known Bugs and Issues ==
* There appear to be key mapping issues when starting a session from macOS and resuming the session from Windows (and vice versa). No fix at this time. A temporary workaround would be to start a second session from the second platform

File:X2go-8.png

2025-07-29T18:26:30Z

WikiSysop: Update information

== Summary ==
Update information

X2go

2025-07-29T18:07:16Z

WikiSysop: /* Installation and Configuration of x2go Client */

== Features ==
x2go is open source technology remote desktop technology based on the NX protocol.

It provides users with a feature rich Linux desktop giving the user the ability to access Linux applications without the need to dual boot, or use virtualizing technology. For example, if you would like access to the latest version of MATLAB, you can either use x2go to present a full desktop, or to present only a single application. In addition to MATLAB, other applications include CMC/CAD licensed applications.

At the moment, this service is not available to the general ECE user base as it's consider a beta/trial service.

See [[#Known Bugs and Issues|this link]] for known issues.

== Installation and Configuration of x2go Client ==

1. Download x2go client:

2020-03-20: For Windows, please use the version linked to below. Latest version is causing issues for some users.

* Windows: https://code.x2go.org/releases/binary-win32/x2goclient/releases/4.1.2.0-2018.06.22/x2goclient-4.1.2.0-2018.06.22-setup.exe
* macOS: http://code.x2go.org/releases/X2GoClient_latest_macosx_10_13.dmg

macOS users will need to download and install the X11 libraries from:
https://www.xquartz.org/

2. Install x2go client.

3. Configure new x2go session:
* Server FQDN: '''ssh-soc.ece.ubc.ca'''
** Note that at this time, access to ssh-soc from off-campus requires use of the UBC VPN service.
***https://it.ubc.ca/services/email-voice-internet/myvpn
* Session type:
** Select '''XFCE'''.

3.1. Create a new session by clicking on the button highlighted in red

[[File:x2go-1.png]]

3.2. Populate all fields highlighted in red

[[File:x2go-7.png]]

3.3. You may want to play around with the connection settings to optimize user experience.

With the right connection settings, the experience of using a streaming video service like Youtube over x2go should be fairly identical to a local browser. In most situations, setting this to LAN provides a decent experience but obviously this highly depends on the available network throughput of your network connection.

[[File:x2go-3.png]]

Note that audio doesn’t work correctly with OS X clients.

4. Once configured, start a new x2go session by clicking on the session browser on the right.

[[File:x2go-4.png]]

4.1. Login with your ECE credentials

[[File:x2go-5.png]]

Result:

[[File:x2go-6.png]]

This technology behaves very similarly to Microsoft’s RDP/terminal services. By disconnecting your client, your session is still active on the server and you can resume the session by reconnecting to this service using the x2go client.

== Known Bugs and Issues ==
* There appear to be key mapping issues when starting a session from macOS and resuming the session from Windows (and vice versa). No fix at this time. A temporary workaround would be to start a second session from the second platform

File:X2go-7.png

2025-07-29T18:05:29Z

WikiSysop: WikiSysop reverted File:X2go-7.png to an old version

File:X2go-7.png

2025-07-29T18:05:05Z

WikiSysop: WikiSysop reverted File:X2go-7.png to an old version

File:X2go-7.png

2025-07-29T18:03:31Z

WikiSysop: WikiSysop uploaded a new version of File:X2go-7.png

How To Use VPN and ubcprivate WiFi

2025-06-27T20:30:46Z

WikiSysop: /* Connecting to the VPN */

Access to ECE resources such as workstations, printers, and network shares is limited to ECE subnets, the ECE VPN, and the "ubcprivate" wifi network. All other access is blocked by the ECE firewall.

For access to the ECE VPN and ubcprivate, contact it@ece.ubc.ca. In your request, please specify your CWL username and your affiliation with ECE.

Please note that ECE VPN login now requires Multi Factor Authentication ("MFA").

https://it.ubc.ca/services/accounts-passwords/multi-factor-authentication-mfa

==Connecting to the VPN==
On computers that are maintained by IT staff, the Cisco Secure Client VPN client can be installed on machines running Windows using the "Software Center" application, and on Macs using the "Self Service" application. The client can also be downloaded from https://ubc.onthehub.com/.

The client should connect to the server <code>myvpn.ubc.ca</code>.

To log onto the ECE VPN, append <code>.ece</code> to your CWL login, and the method used for Multi-factor authentication. For example, if your CWL login is <code>''spock''</code> and you use the Duo app for MFA, log on as <code>''spock''.ece@app</code>. Password is your CWL password.

==Connecting to the ubcprivate WiFi network==
If you have been granted access to ubcprivate, append <code>.ece</code> to your CWL login. For example, if your CWL login is <code>''spock''</code>, log on as <code>''spock''.ece</code>.

==Connecting to ECE computing resources==
When connecting to an ECE computing resource from within the VPN or ubcprivate use its fully qualified domain name, i.e. <code>computer.ece.ubc.ca</code>, rather than <code>computer</code>.

==See Also==
* [[How To Tunnel Connections Through SSH]]

How To Use VPN and ubcprivate WiFi

2025-06-27T20:30:16Z

WikiSysop: /* Connecting to the VPN */

Access to ECE resources such as workstations, printers, and network shares is limited to ECE subnets, the ECE VPN, and the "ubcprivate" wifi network. All other access is blocked by the ECE firewall.

For access to the ECE VPN and ubcprivate, contact it@ece.ubc.ca. In your request, please specify your CWL username and your affiliation with ECE.

Please note that ECE VPN login now requires Multi Factor Authentication ("MFA").

https://it.ubc.ca/services/accounts-passwords/multi-factor-authentication-mfa

==Connecting to the VPN==
On computers that are maintained by IT staff, the Cisco Secure Client VPN client can be installed on machines running Windows using the "Software Center" application, and on Macs using the "self Service" application. The client can also be downloaded from https://ubc.onthehub.com/.

The client should connect to the server <code>myvpn.ubc.ca</code>.

To log onto the ECE VPN, append <code>.ece</code> to your CWL login, and the method used for Multi-factor authentication. For example, if your CWL login is <code>''spock''</code> and you use the Duo app for MFA, log on as <code>''spock''.ece@app</code>. Password is your CWL password.

==Connecting to the ubcprivate WiFi network==
If you have been granted access to ubcprivate, append <code>.ece</code> to your CWL login. For example, if your CWL login is <code>''spock''</code>, log on as <code>''spock''.ece</code>.

==Connecting to ECE computing resources==
When connecting to an ECE computing resource from within the VPN or ubcprivate use its fully qualified domain name, i.e. <code>computer.ece.ubc.ca</code>, rather than <code>computer</code>.

==See Also==
* [[How To Tunnel Connections Through SSH]]

How To Use VPN and ubcprivate WiFi

2025-06-27T20:26:29Z

WikiSysop: /* Connecting to the VPN */

Access to ECE resources such as workstations, printers, and network shares is limited to ECE subnets, the ECE VPN, and the "ubcprivate" wifi network. All other access is blocked by the ECE firewall.

For access to the ECE VPN and ubcprivate, contact it@ece.ubc.ca. In your request, please specify your CWL username and your affiliation with ECE.

Please note that ECE VPN login now requires Multi Factor Authentication ("MFA").

https://it.ubc.ca/services/accounts-passwords/multi-factor-authentication-mfa

==Connecting to the VPN==
A Cisco Secure Client VPN client can be downloaded from https://ubc.onthehub.com/.

The client should connect to the server <code>myvpn.ubc.ca</code>.

To log onto the ECE VPN, append <code>.ece</code> to your CWL login, and the method used for Multi-factor authentication. For example, if your CWL login is <code>''spock''</code> and you use the Duo app for MFA, log on as <code>''spock''.ece@app</code>. Password is your CWL password.

==Connecting to the ubcprivate WiFi network==
If you have been granted access to ubcprivate, append <code>.ece</code> to your CWL login. For example, if your CWL login is <code>''spock''</code>, log on as <code>''spock''.ece</code>.

==Connecting to ECE computing resources==
When connecting to an ECE computing resource from within the VPN or ubcprivate use its fully qualified domain name, i.e. <code>computer.ece.ubc.ca</code>, rather than <code>computer</code>.

==See Also==
* [[How To Tunnel Connections Through SSH]]

ICICS X-wing power outage (Mar 1, 2025)

2025-02-28T09:52:07Z

WikiSysop: Created page with "There is a full-building electrical shutdown scheduled for the ICICS X-wing on Saturday March 1 2025, from 06:30 am to 10:30 am. This outage also affects for Hugh Dempster Pav..."

There is a full-building electrical shutdown scheduled for the ICICS X-wing on Saturday March 1 2025, from 06:30 am to 10:30 am. This outage also affects for Hugh Dempster Pavilion, but not the ICICS main building. Computers should be shut down in advance of this outage to prevent damage and heat buildup.

Main Page

2025-02-28T09:51:56Z

WikiSysop: ICICS X-wing power outage (Mar 1, 2025)

Web Applications

2024-11-01T03:13:38Z

WikiSysop:

==Supported Packages==

The ECE Department supports the following web application for research groups:

* [https://trac.edgewall.org/ Trac] (wiki, issue tracker, and source code control for programmers)

Please file a [[How To Report A Problem|help request]] if you would like to have a web application installed on your research group website.

In addition, various other groups at UBC can provision web applications. For example,

* [https://cms.ubc.ca/ UBC CMS] can host WordPress websites
* [https://lthub.ubc.ca/guides/ LT Hub] can host GitHub, JupyterHub, and other web applications ''for instructional use'', not research

Please file a [[How To Report A Problem|help request]] if you would like to have a web application installed on your research group website.

==Requesting Installation of Packages==

Given the department's limited resources, we can only support a limited
set of web application packages. Therefore, any decision to add packages to the list of support applications will be subject to an evaluation based on the following criteria:

;Generality
:Chosen packages should be sufficiently general such that other users won't request a competing package that has just one more feature that they need.
;Code Structure
:Code should be cleanly structured. Code that is difficult for programmers to follow and code that mixes logic with presentation will take longer to review, and is likely to be problematic.
;Upgradability
:The package needs to have a simple procedure for upgrading from version to version. The package must be able to support multiple website instances with a single copy of the code. If the package uses a database, there should be systematic way to upgrade the database schema if necessary.
;Longevity
:To ensure that the code won't be abandoned, packages should ideally be open-source and have a large active community of users and developers.
;Security
:Code must not exhibit common vulerabilities such as SQL injection, filesystem traversal, and cross-site scripting. Packages with a recent track record of security vulnerabilities will be avoided.
;Efficiency
:Resource-intensive applications (such as Java webapps) will be disfavoured.
;Compatibility
:The application must be compatible with the ECE webservers. In general, this means it should run with Apache on Linux. PHP applications should work with a recent version of PHP (PHP 5) in a standard configuration (magic quotes disabled).
;Integration
:If the application needs to authenticate ECE users, the authentication mechanism should use ECE accounts. Integration may be implemented using LDAP, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pluggable_Authentication_Modules PAM], or [http://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.2/howto/auth.html Apache authentication].

X2go

2024-09-19T20:49:57Z

WikiSysop:

== Features ==
x2go is open source technology remote desktop technology based on the NX protocol.

It provides users with a feature rich Linux desktop giving the user the ability to access Linux applications without the need to dual boot, or use virtualizing technology. For example, if you would like access to the latest version of MATLAB, you can either use x2go to present a full desktop, or to present only a single application. In addition to MATLAB, other applications include CMC/CAD licensed applications.

At the moment, this service is not available to the general ECE user base as it's consider a beta/trial service.

See [[#Known Bugs and Issues|this link]] for known issues.

== Installation and Configuration of x2go Client ==

1. Download x2go client:

2020-03-20: For Windows, please use the version linked to below. Latest version is causing issues for some users.

* Windows: https://code.x2go.org/releases/binary-win32/x2goclient/releases/4.1.2.0-2018.06.22/x2goclient-4.1.2.0-2018.06.22-setup.exe
* macOS: http://code.x2go.org/releases/X2GoClient_latest_macosx_10_13.dmg

macOS users will need to download and install the X11 libraries from:
https://www.xquartz.org/

2. Install x2go client.

3. Configure new x2go session:
* Server FQDN: '''ssh-soc.ece.ubc.ca'''
** Note that at this time, access to ssh-soc from off-campus requires use of the UBC VPN service.
***https://it.ubc.ca/services/email-voice-internet/myvpn
* Session type:
** Select '''Custom desktop''', and in the '''Command''' field enter '''xfce-session-x2go'''.

3.1. Create a new session by clicking on the button highlighted in red

[[File:x2go-1.png]]

3.2. Populate all fields highlighted in red

[[File:x2go-7.png]]

3.3. You may want to play around with the connection settings to optimize user experience.

With the right connection settings, the experience of using a streaming video service like Youtube over x2go should be fairly identical to a local browser. In most situations, setting this to LAN provides a decent experience but obviously this highly depends on the available network throughput of your network connection.

[[File:x2go-3.png]]

Note that audio doesn’t work correctly with OS X clients.

4. Once configured, start a new x2go session by clicking on the session browser on the right.

[[File:x2go-4.png]]

4.1. Login with your ECE credentials

[[File:x2go-5.png]]

Result:

[[File:x2go-6.png]]

This technology behaves very similarly to Microsoft’s RDP/terminal services. By disconnecting your client, your session is still active on the server and you can resume the session by reconnecting to this service using the x2go client.

== Known Bugs and Issues ==
* There appear to be key mapping issues when starting a session from macOS and resuming the session from Windows (and vice versa). No fix at this time. A temporary workaround would be to start a second session from the second platform

X2go

2024-09-19T20:44:29Z

WikiSysop:

== Features ==
x2go is open source technology remote desktop technology based on the NX protocol.

It provides users with a feature rich Linux desktop giving the user the ability to access Linux applications without the need to dual boot, or use virtualizing technology. For example, if you would like access to the latest version of MATLAB, you can either use x2go to present a full desktop, or to present only a single application. In addition to MATLAB, other applications include CMC/CAD licensed applications.

At the moment, this service is not available to the general ECE user base as it's consider a beta/trial service.

See [[#Known Bugs and Issues|this link]] for known issues.

== Installation and Configuration of x2go Client ==

1. Download x2go client:

2020-03-20: For Windows, please use the version linked to below. Latest version is causing issues for some users.

* Windows: https://code.x2go.org/releases/binary-win32/x2goclient/releases/4.1.2.0-2018.06.22/x2goclient-4.1.2.0-2018.06.22-setup.exe
* macOS: http://code.x2go.org/releases/X2GoClient_latest_macosx_10_13.dmg

macOS users will need to download and install the X11 libraries from:
https://www.xquartz.org/

2. Install x2go client.

3. Configure new x2go session:
* Server FQDN: '''ssh-soc.ece.ubc.ca'''
** Note that at this time, access to ssh-soc from off-campus requires use of the UBC VPN service.
***https://it.ubc.ca/services/email-voice-internet/myvpn
* Session type:
** Select '''Custom desktop''', and in the '''Command''' field enter '''xfce-session-x2go'''.

3.1. Create a new session by clicking on the button highlighted in red

[[File:x2go-1.png]]

3.2. Populate all fields highlighted in red

[[File:x2go-7.png]]

3.3. You may want to play around with the connection settings to optimize user experience.

With the right connection settings, the experience of using a streaming video service like Youtube over x2go should be fairly identical to a local browser. In most situations, setting this to LAN provides a decent experience but obviously this highly depends on the available network throughput of your network connection.

[[File:x2go-3.png]]

Note that audio doesn’t work correctly with OS X clients.

4. Once configured, start a new x2go session by clicking on the session browser on the right.

[[File:x2go-4.png]]

4.1. Login with your ECE credentials

[[File:x2go-5.png]]

[[File:x2go-6.png]]

Result:

This technology behaves very similarly to Microsoft’s RDP/terminal services. By disconnecting your client, your session is still active on the server and you can resume the session by reconnecting to this service using the x2go client.

== Known Bugs and Issues ==
* There appears to be key mapping issues when starting a session from OSX and resuming the session from Windows (and vice versa). No fix at this time. A temporary workaround would be to start a second session from the second platform

File:X2go-7.png

2024-09-19T20:41:49Z

WikiSysop:

X2go

2024-09-19T17:58:59Z

WikiSysop:

== Features ==
x2go is open source technology remote desktop technology based on the NX protocol.

It provides users with a feature rich Linux desktop giving the user the ability to access Linux applications without the need to dual boot, or use virtualizing technology. For example, if you would like access to the latest version of MATLAB, you can either use x2go to present a full desktop, or to present only a single application. In addition to MATLAB, other applications include CMC/CAD licensed applications.

At the moment, this service is not available to the general ECE user base as it's consider a beta/trial service.

See [[#Known Bugs and Issues|this link]] for known issues.

== Installation and Configuration of x2go Client ==

1. Download x2go client:

2020-03-20: For Windows, please use the version linked to below. Latest version is causing issues for some users.

* Windows: https://code.x2go.org/releases/binary-win32/x2goclient/releases/4.1.2.0-2018.06.22/x2goclient-4.1.2.0-2018.06.22-setup.exe
* macOS: http://code.x2go.org/releases/X2GoClient_latest_macosx_10_13.dmg

macOS users will need to download and install the X11 libraries from:
https://www.xquartz.org/

2. Install x2go client.

3. Configure new x2go session:
* Server FQDN: '''ssh-soc.ece.ubc.ca'''
** Note that at this time, access to ssh-soc from off-campus requires use of the UBC VPN service. This may change when ECE launches this as a supported service. See the following link for UBC VPN connection instructions.
***https://it.ubc.ca/services/email-voice-internet/myvpn
* Session type:
** You have the option to either launch a full desktop, or launch only selected applications.
*** For a full desktop, select '''Custom desktop''', and in the '''Command''' field enter '''xfce-session-x2go'''.
*** For published application, see [[#Published Applications|published applications section]] for details

3.1. Create a new session by clicking on the button highlighted in red

[[File:x2go-1.png]]

3.2. Populate all fields highlighted in red

[[File:x2go-2.png]]

3.3. You may want to play around with the connection settings to optimize user experience.

With the right connection settings, the experience of using a streaming video service like Youtube over x2go should be fairly identical to a local browser. In most situations, setting this to LAN provides a decent experience but obviously this highly depends on the available network throughput of your network connection.

[[File:x2go-3.png]]

Note that audio doesn’t work correctly with OS X clients.

4. Once configured, start a new x2go session by clicking on the session browser on the right.

[[File:x2go-4.png]]

4.1. Login with your ECE credentials

[[File:x2go-5.png]]

[[File:x2go-6.png]]

Result:

This technology behaves very similarly to Microsoft’s RDP/terminal services. By disconnecting your client, your session is still active on the server and you can resume the session by reconnecting to this service using the x2go client.

== Published Applications ==

1. Configure your client to display icon in system tray

[[File:x2go-pub-1.png]]

[[File:x2go-pub-2.png]]

2. Edit existing session profile or create new profile. Under session type, select '''Published Applications'''

[[File:x2go-pub-3.png]]

Save profile

3. Login to x2go service

[[File:x2go-5.png]]

4. Click on the x2go icon in system tray to see a list of published applications

[[File:x2go-pub-4.png]]

== Known Bugs and Issues ==
* There appears to be key mapping issues when starting a session from OSX and resuming the session from Windows (and vice versa). No fix at this time. A temporary workaround would be to start a second session from the second platform

How To Get An Account

2024-09-06T18:44:54Z

WikiSysop:

==Undergraduate and MEng students==
Accounts for undergraduates registered in ECE courses and MEng students are created automatically. To activate your account please log onto https://id.ece.ubc.ca and set your account password.

==All Others==
Please send an email with subject "Request for ECE account" to it@ece.ubc.ca, with the following information:

* Your full name
* Department or Organization (if not ECE)
* Your student or employee number (if you have both, please provide your student number)
* Name of your supervisor
* Your preferred username
* An email address that you can currently be reached at
* Your affiliation with ECE:
** One of the following: MASC student, PhD student, Postdoc, Faculty, Staff, Coop, Visitor, Other

The use of all department computing resources is subject to UBC's [https://cio.ubc.ca/information-security/information-security-policy-standards-and-resources policies], in particular Policy SC14 (Acceptable Use and Security of UBC Electronic Information and Systems).

How To Get An Account

2024-09-06T18:22:26Z

WikiSysop:

==Undergraduate and MEng students==
Accounts for undergraduates registered in ECE courses and MEng students are created automatically. To activate your account please log onto https://id.ece.ubc.ca and set your account password.

==All Others==
Please send an email with subject "Request for ECE account" to it@ece.ubc.ca, with the following information:

* Your full name
* Department or Organization (if not ECE)
* Your student or employee number (if you have both, please provide your student number)
* Name of your supervisor
* Your preferred username
* An email address that you can currently be reached at
* Your affiliation with ECE:
** One of the following: MASC student, PhD student, Postdoc, Faculty, Staff, Visitor, Other

The use of all department computing resources is subject to UBC's [https://cio.ubc.ca/information-security/information-security-policy-standards-and-resources policies], in particular Policy SC14 (Acceptable Use and Security of UBC Electronic Information and Systems).

How To Use VPN and ubcprivate WiFi

2024-04-16T18:30:28Z

WikiSysop:

Access to ECE resources such as workstations, printers, and network shares is limited to ECE subnets, the ECE VPN, and the "ubcprivate" wifi network. All other access is blocked by the ECE firewall.

For access to the ECE VPN and ubcprivate, contact it@ece.ubc.ca. In your request, please specify your CWL username and your affiliation with ECE.

Please note that ECE VPN login now requires Multi Factor Authentication ("MFA").

https://it.ubc.ca/services/accounts-passwords/multi-factor-authentication-mfa

==Connecting to the VPN==
A Cisco AnyConnect VPN client can be downloaded from https://ubc.onthehub.com/.

The client should connect to the server <code>myvpn.ubc.ca</code>.

To log onto the ECE VPN, append <code>.ece</code> to your CWL login, and the method used for Multi-factor authentication. For example, if your CWL login is <code>''spock''</code> and you use the Duo app for MFA, log on as <code>''spock''.ece@app</code>. Password is your CWL password.

==Connecting to the ubcprivate WiFi network==
If you have been granted access to ubcprivate, append <code>.ece</code> to your CWL login. For example, if your CWL login is <code>''spock''</code>, log on as <code>''spock''.ece</code>.

==Connecting to ECE computing resources==
When connecting to an ECE computing resource from within the VPN or ubcprivate use its fully qualified domain name, i.e. <code>computer.ece.ubc.ca</code>, rather than <code>computer</code>.

==See Also==
* [[How To Tunnel Connections Through SSH]]

How To Use VPN and ubcprivate WiFi

2024-04-15T18:10:15Z

WikiSysop:

Access to ECE resources such as workstations, printers, and network shares is limited to ECE subnets, the ECE VPN, and the "ubcprivate" wifi network. All other access is blocked by the ECE firewall.

For access to the ECE VPN and ubcprivate, contact it@ece.ubc.ca. In your request, please specify your CWL username and your affiliation with ECE.

Please note that ECE VPN login now requires Multi Factor Authentication.

https://it.ubc.ca/services/accounts-passwords/multi-factor-authentication-mfa

==Connecting to the VPN==
A Cisco AnyConnect VPN client can be downloaded from https://ubc.onthehub.com/.

The client should connect to the server <code>myvpn.ubc.ca</code>. Log onto the VPN using your CWL credentials and Multi Factor Authentication.

If you have been granted access to the ECE VPN, append <code>.ece</code> to your CWL login. For example, if your CWL login is <code>''spock''</code>, log on as <code>''spock''.ece</code>. (Without the <code>.ece</code> suffix, you would be placed on the UBC network, but outside the ECE firewall.) Note that Multi Factor Authentication is required.

==Connecting to the ubcprivate WiFi network==
If you have been granted access to ubcprivate, append <code>.ece</code> to your CWL login. For example, if your CWL login is <code>''spock''</code>, log on as <code>''spock''.ece</code>.

==Connecting to ECE computing resources==
When connecting to an ECE computing resource from within the VPN or ubcprivate use its fully qualified domain name, i.e. <code>computer.ece.ubc.ca</code>, rather than <code>computer</code>.

==See Also==
* [[How To Tunnel Connections Through SSH]]

Email Forwarding

2024-02-22T17:57:00Z

WikiSysop:

Staff and faculty considering forwarding email to a destination outside of UBC should be aware of policies set by University Counsel to ensure compliance with requirements laid out in FIPPA, the provincial Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Such forwarding is permitted only in very limited circumstances, and never to hosts located outside of Canada, such as gmail.

https://universitycounsel.ubc.ca/files/2023/12/Fact-Sheet-Privacy-of-Email-Systems-updated-Dec-2023.pdf

ECE Email Service Disruption (Jan 5, 2024)

2024-01-10T23:49:01Z

WikiSysop: Created page with "There was a technical issue on ECE incoming email service between Jan 4 17:40 and Jan 5 16:20. During the disruption some emails addressed to <code>@ece.ubc.ca</code> e-mail a..."

There was a technical issue on ECE incoming email service between Jan 4 17:40 and Jan 5 16:20. During the disruption some emails addressed to <code>@ece.ubc.ca</code> e-mail addresses were rejected; we expect that the sender's mail server would likely have retried and eventually delivered them. Emails from mail.ubc.ca and from RT system have been delivered with a delay.

Main Page

2024-01-09T00:48:41Z

WikiSysop: /* Announcements */

==ECE Information Technology Services==

Please select one of the HOWTO collections:

<dl>
<dt>[[HOWTOs For Users]]
<dd>HOWTOs for all users of ECE computing infrastructure
<dt>[[HOWTOs For Researchers]]
<dd>HOWTOs for the ECE research community
<dt>[[HOWTOs For Instructors]]
<dd>HOWTOs for the ECE teaching community
</dl>

==Announcements==
<dl>

<dt>[[ECE Email Service Disruption (Jan 5, 2024)]]
<dd>There was a technical issue on ECE incoming email service between Jan 4 17:40 and Jan 5 16:20. During the disruption some emails addressed to @ece.ubc.ca e-mail addresses were rejected; we expect that the sender's mail server would likely have retried and eventually delivered them. Emails from mail.ubc.ca and from RT system have been delivered with a delay.

<dt>[[MFA Rollout]]
<dd>On December 4th, 2023, UBC IT will enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for the ECE myVPN pool. If you use ECE myVPN to get access to software for your studies, work, or research, you will need to use a modified procedure to log in. This additional security will prevent coordinated attacks against UBC systems.

<dt>[[Replacement of McAfee Encryption Management Service]]
<dd>Until recently, UBCIT has been using the McAfee Encryption Management Service to help keep track of the keys used to encrypt the storage devices of many computers at ECE running Windows. UBCIT has retired this service and is now using new tools for key management. In some cases, implementation of the change will require IT staff to briefly access your computer and make some changes to its configuration. IT staff will be contacting affected users to arrange a convenient time for this.

<dt>[[Kaiser power outage (February 20, 2021)]]
<dd>There is a power outage planned for the Kaiser building on Saturday, February 20, from 10 am to 2 pm. This outage is necessary as part of the MacLeod construction project.

<dt>[[File and mail migration (2020)]]
<dd>In October and November 2020, ECE IT will be performing migrations of two major systems that will affect ECE users. A file migration involves some disruption during each user's cutover period. The ECE e-mail migration will happen seamlessly and with negligible disruption for the majority of users.

<dt>[[File Migration (2021)]]
<dd>Throughout April, May, and June 2021, ECE IT is replacing our file server, which is used to store the home directories of ECE accounts as well as some other files.

</dl>