> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://jzlab.gitbook.io/jzkb/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://jzlab.gitbook.io/jzkb/linux/remote-lab-access.md).

# Remote Lab Access

Remote access to the lab computers can be setup in a few short steps.

## VPN access

First, download a copy of the campus VPN Client for your preferred platform [here](http://www.ucdenver.edu/research/CCTSI/programs-services/informatics/Pages/Connect-to-the-VPN.aspx)

Install it and make sure you can log in successfully

## Setup openssh-server

If you don't have openssh-server installed, install it

```bash
  $ sudo apt-get install openssh-server
```

See that it shows up as a service

```bash
  $ sudo service ssh status
```

Open the ssh-server configuration file and change a few settings for more security if warranted.

```
sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config
```

Some parameters worth modifying:

| Parameter            | default\_value | recommended\_value |
| -------------------- | -------------- | ------------------ |
| Port                 | 22             | not 22             |
| PermitRootLogin      | ?              | prohibit-password  |
| AllowUsers           | ??             | your\_username     |
| PubkeyAuthentication | ??             | yes                |
| RSAAuthentication    | ??             | yes                |
| PermitEmptyPasswords | ??             | no                 |

After configuring your ssh server restart it

```bash
  $ sudo service ssh restart
```

## Find your IP address

On Ubuntu run:

```
  $ ifconfig
```

Depending on how many network devices you have you will get 1 to several blocks of information about each of your network adaptors.

There will be a few with a field like the following

```
inet addr: XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX
```

Find one where XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX is not 127.0.0.1 or 192.168.99.1 (local network addresses)

Once you identify your IP address you should be able to ssh into your workstation while connected over the vpn like so:

```bash
  $ ssh your_username@your_ipaddress -p port_number_used_in_config
```

Your system should prompt you for a password and after you enter it you should be good to go.