Setup

Configuring your SSH client (Putty)

Under "Window - Translation" set the value for "Received data assumed to be in which character set" to UTF-8
Under "Session", enter the host name: socweb8.napier.ac.uk
Save this session: type a name in the field "Saved sessions", then click "Save"
Click "Open"

You can configure the client when it starts up or for the current session (in which case you need to click on the icon in the top left corner).

The next time you start the client, click on your saved session and then "Open".

Using Python on the Unix server

Type python at the command line. This starts the interactive mode. You can now type commands. To leave the interactive mode press the control key followed by D.

In order to use sympy and to set python to accept certain conventions, you should copy and paste the following code after you start python. (Use the right mouse button for pasting.)

from __future__ import division
import sys
from sympy import *
sys.displayhook = pprint

You need to do this whenever you start python.

Save the Python settings permanently

Type nano .pythonstartup to create a file. Save the following lines to that file:

from __future__ import division
import sys
from sympy import *
sys.displayhook = pprint

Next, determine which shell you are using by typing printenv SHELL. Please be careful with the next steps. If you don't understand this, please ask for help. If you mess up your login file, you will not be able to login to your account anymore.

If you are using bash, type nano .profile and add this line to the end of the file:

export PYTHONSTARTUP=~/.pythonstartup

Save the file and type source .profile to apply the changes.

(If you were using a c-shell, you would need to add this line to your .cshrc file: setenv PYTHONSTARTUP ~/.pythonstartup)