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CS 315-02 Lecture/Lab — Meeting Summary (Fall 2025)

  • Date: August 20, 2025
  • Time: 06:33 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
  • Meeting ID: 868 6589 0521

Quick Recap

Greg provided comprehensive technical assistance to students configuring SSH connections among their local computers, Stargate, and Beagle machines to enable passwordless access. He emphasized:

  • Carefully following instructions and distinguishing steps for local machines versus remote servers.
  • Setting up backup options (e.g., QEMU or a local RISC‑V environment) for times when network access is unavailable.
  • Offering individualized support across operating systems, including Windows users using WSL, and encouraging proper terminal setup and use of troubleshooting resources.

Next Steps (Action Items)

  • Read the SSH key setup instructions thoroughly before starting lab work.
  • Create an SSH key pair on the local computer and copy the public key to Stargate.
  • Configure the local computer to SSH into Stargate without a password.
  • Enable direct SSH access to a Beagle machine through Stargate.
  • Install and configure QEMU locally as a backup development environment.
  • Ensure both the local computer and Stargate can access the student’s GitHub account via SSH.
  • Test and verify passwordless SSH into the Beagle machine.
  • Install and configure a local RISC‑V environment as a secondary backup option.
  • Submit all coursework through the course website or Canvas.
  • Attend office hours if further assistance is needed.

Detailed Summary

SSH Key Setup for Beagle Access

  • Greg outlined the process for passwordless SSH by:
  • Creating a public/private key pair on the local machine.
  • Copying the public key to Stargate.
  • Configuring SSH to allow direct access to Beagle machines through Stargate.
  • He stressed performing the correct steps on the correct systems (local vs. Stargate) and recommended using passphrases over complex passwords.

Technical Setup and Environment Recommendations

  • Students were advised to review the SSH section carefully before proceeding and to resolve any network issues.
  • For Windows users:
  • Install Ubuntu via the Microsoft Store for WSL if not already installed.
  • PowerShell is acceptable if SSH and editors function properly.
  • For effective support, students were asked to maximize terminal windows, increase font size, and raise screen brightness when seeking help.
  • He recommended setting up an emulated environment (e.g., QEMU) as a backup when connectivity to Beagle is unreliable.

Windows WSL Installation Troubleshooting

  • For a Windows installation issue:
  • Greg recommended using WSL for alignment with course instructions.
  • After discovering the environment was running as root, he suggested uninstalling and reinstalling via the Microsoft Store.
  • When issues persisted, he recommended trying a different version and searching for solutions online.

SSH Access Troubleshooting Session

  • Greg assisted with SSH issues involving user IDs, private keys, and file permissions.
  • He guided connections to Stargate and suggested a local workflow for travel scenarios.
  • An identity file error was traced to confusion between course versions (2024 vs. 2025); switching to the 2025 materials resolved the issue.

SSH and GitHub Setup Troubleshooting

  • Greg helped refresh pages, configure SSH, and verify GitHub SSH key functionality.
  • After confirming a working setup, he noted pending lab tasks and briefly discussed Python usage in other courses.

Python Environment Configuration Tips

  • He recommended removing a Python 3.11 path entry overshadowed by Python 3.12.
  • Suggested configuring SSH for direct server access when appropriate, not always through Stargate.
  • Strongly encouraged QEMU setup to maintain progress during connectivity outages.
  • Noted that VPN may be required for off-campus access to Stargate.
  • Promised to share an AI-generated summary of the prior day’s class (logistics and expectations).

SSH Connection Troubleshooting Guide

  • Advised removing misplaced keys from Stargate and properly setting up the SSH config file.
  • Walked through checking permissions, using tab completion, and cleaning up unnecessary files.
  • Recommended returning to the local machine and restarting from the key-copying step.
  • Emphasized completing Stargate configuration before proceeding to Beagle configuration.

SSH Setup and Troubleshooting Guide

  • Guided installation, key creation, and connection configuration.
  • Resolved issues such as using the correct SCP flag (capital P) and properly appending to authorized_keys.
  • Confirmed that course materials will be available via Canvas or the course website.

SSH Configuration and Setup Confirmation

  • Assisted in creating the .ssh directory, editing the SSH config, and verifying passwordless SSH to Beagle.
  • Confirmed the setup was correct once logins no longer prompted for a password.

Technical Support for User Setup

  • Provided support for SSH, GitHub access, and file management on Beagle.
  • Suggested using ChatGPT for troubleshooting installation issues.
  • Noted that a local RISC‑V environment may consume resources when kept running but serves as a reliable backup.
  • Encouraged students to attend office hours for continued support.