Introduction to Atlas

Atlas is the name of KSU's Student CGI and Alumni Internet Server. It is a "general services" UNIX server. UNIX simply refers to the operating system that Atlas uses. On Atlas, students have access to Internet services (i.e. e-mail, ftp, telnet, lynx, etc.), and the ability to set up their accounts for web page publishing. Before you begin, you need to read the Telecommunications Policies; you are solely responsible for your account.

Logging in to your account

First, you will need to telnet to your account in order to log into Atlas. Once you are there, you will have to type in a login name and a password. These two entries are used by the system to identify you and figure out what files and services you have access to. When you successfully type both the login name and the password, you will see the Atlas prompt. It should look like the following:
Atlas[1]/home/user
%

This prompt has many purposes, its most important being to accept commands that you type and run them. Also, the prompt gives you information about your environment. The name "Atlas" on the top left-hand side of the prompt is telling you what computer you are on. The number in the middle of the prompt is telling you how many commands you have typed since you logged in. And the last part, "/home/user" simply reiterates that you are in your home directory and that you are the one logged in.

Every time you log in, you should see a "/home+your login name." This area of the system is called your home directory; it is the place where you and only you have rights. This is where you can store files, e-mail messages, and web pages (under the "html" directory) on Atlas.

Accessing E-Mail

Atlas has several options for accessing your e-mail. The most common method to check your e-mail is through telnet

Help & More Info

Be sure to check out the FAQ page from the main menu for more specific information, answers to your questions and instructions on functions.
If you have any Atlas problems not discussed in this help system, please feel free to e-mail the System Operator.