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CS 315-01 Lecture/Lab — Meeting Summary (Fall 2025)

  • Date: Aug 20, 2025
  • Time: 04:58 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
  • Meeting ID: 886 4953 2573

Quick Recap

The session provided detailed guidance for setting up SSH key authentication to access the Beagle machines and the Stargate systems. Greg demonstrated:

  • Generating and managing SSH keys
  • Configuring SSH on macOS, Linux, and Windows (via WSL)
  • Setting up virtual machines and addressing Apple Silicon considerations
  • Troubleshooting common issues, including password authentication failures

The meeting concluded with tips for configuring local development environments and pointers to additional resources, including an upcoming SSH workshop and information on using Beagle boards for programming.

Next Steps (Action Items)

  • Set up SSH keys for Stargate following the instructions on the course website.
  • Configure SSH to access Beagle machines directly (without routing through Stargate).
  • Windows users: install WSL for a better SSH experience.
  • If a Stargate password is forgotten, email support@cs.usf.edu for a reset (verify current contact on the course site).
  • Attend the tutoring center’s SSH workshop sessions if additional help is needed.

Summary (Details)

Beagle Machine Access Setup Guide

  • Follow the official instructions carefully to avoid configuration mistakes.
  • Access options:
  • SSH directly into Beagle machines.
  • Use a local virtual machine (VM) for development; note that Apple Silicon may require more CPU when emulating x86 environments.
  • Students may share VM setup experiences once campus network arrangements are finalized.

SSH Key Setup Tutorial

  • Create a public/private SSH key pair on the local machine.
  • Update the SSH configuration (e.g., in ~/.ssh/config) to streamline connections.
  • Copy the public key to Stargate to enable key-based login.
  • Use a memorable, secure passphrase for the SSH key.
  • Windows users are encouraged to use WSL for a smoother SSH workflow.
  • Additional SSH tutoring sessions are available for further assistance.
  • After Stargate setup, configure direct access to Beagle from the laptop.

SSH Access Setup Instructions

  • Use a large terminal font for visibility during troubleshooting.
  • Steps covered:
  • Generate SSH keys.
  • Update SSH config entries for Stargate and Beagle.
  • Log in to Beagle directly without first hopping through Stargate (once configured).
  • For forgotten Stargate passwords, contact support (see course site for the correct email; the meeting noted support@cs.usf.edu).

SSH Key Management Troubleshooting

  • Ensure the .ssh directory exists on Stargate before copying keys.
  • Walkthrough included:
  • Generating a new key locally.
  • Copying the public key to Stargate.
  • Verifying and correcting file permissions.
  • Emphasis on keeping private keys secure and never sharing them.

Stargate SSH Key Authentication Update

  • Stargate has been updated to require SSH keys; password-only logins may fail.
  • Users must:
  • Generate SSH keys locally.
  • Copy the public key to Stargate.
  • Greg demonstrated the end-to-end process for key creation and deployment.

WSL and Docker Setup Tutorial

  • Greg guided Ryan through:
  • Installing and configuring WSL.
  • Setting up Docker.
  • Reviewing and correcting SSH config files.
  • Authorizing SSH keys and verifying the correct user and host entries.
  • Cleaning up outdated files and confirming successful connections.

SSH Key Authentication Setup Demo

  • Demonstrated creating and adding public keys on Stargate to enable passwordless access from authorized machines.
  • Addressed common issues:
  • Forgotten passwords
  • Incorrect file paths
  • Misconfigured permissions
  • Reinforced careful adherence to the written setup instructions.

Setting Up Development Environment Lab

  • The lab requires a functioning development environment with SSH access to a remote server.
  • Greg introduced Reas (a second TA) and announced an upcoming SSH workshop.
  • Discussed using Beagle boards for programming; students should refer to the CS labs website for current guidance and resources.