Xenon

How do I access Xenon?
For security reasons, you cannot telnet into xenon. You must use SSH or another secure protocol. The easiest way to access xenon is to log into any unix machine on campus and run "ssh xenon -l username". You can also check out this website for information about other alternatives.

What about the Pup Cluster?
Once you have a xenon account, you can also use the Pup Cluster. The Pup Cluster is located in the basement of Gates (B21).

How much space do I get on Xenon?
Current CSD students get a 30 MB quota and 35 MB hard limit for home directories and 4 MB/ 5 MB for the mail spool directory. Alumni get a 10 MB quota and 12.5 MB hard limit for home directories and 3 MB/ 4 MB for the mail spool directory. Quotas may also be in place on temporary directories such as /var/tmp. Use the command 'quota -v' to view your quotas and usage.

What should I run on Xenon?
Xenon should not be used to run coursework - it is for email and text based applications only. The two main programs that you might find useful are pedit (personal edit) and medit (mail-list edit). You can run both by using ssh to get to xenon and then typing medit or pedit at the command line. Both programs are relatively intuitive to use. You can use medit to create and manage mailing lists. For instance you can create a list called BobsBunnyWorldGroup@cs.stanford.edu, and then use it to keep in touch with your programming group. You can use pedit to manage your personal profile on xenon. Amongst other things, you can use it to forward your @cs email and set up aliases. You can also use the lookup program to look up information in other people's profiles.

How do I forward my @cs email?
When you first declare, your @cs email should automatically be set up to forward to your @stanford address. To change this, login to xenon, type pedit at the command prompt, go to Edit Email Information, and change the first line to be the address you want the mail forwarded to. If you want to check your email on xenon, make sure to enter username@xenon.stanford.edu as the address instead of username@cs.stanford.edu. If you want a more complicated forwarding system, log into xenon and type "/usr/local/bin/help forward" at the command prompt. This will give you a detailed description of how forwarding can be set up on xenon.

How do I set up an alias on Xenon?
Your Xenon login name cannot be changed and must be related to your name. However, if you really want to have the email address superman@cs or something else, then you can set up an alias. Login to xenon, type pedit at the prompt, go to Edit Email Information, and you should see 3 lines followed by @cs. Fill in one of these lines with the alias that you want and hit return. If the name disappears, then that alias is already taken and you will have to choose another one. If it stays, then you're all set.

How can I access my email on Xenon?
Xenon is set up to work as a Secure (SSL) IMAP or POP3 mail server. You can also use pine or elm. Your @cs email is also available through a webmail interface at http://xenon.stanford.edu/webmail.

I haven't used my Xenon account in 2 years and now I can't log in!
Accounts not used for 180 days will be locked automatically. You need to contact action@xenon to restablish your account.

I don't remember my Xenon password!
If you have a problem with your password, go to Gates rooms 161-170 during business hours. Bring your Stanford photo ID with you.

I declared CS but still can't log into Xenon!
If it has been less than 2 weeks since you declared, then just sit tight. These things take time. In the meantime, your @cs email will stil be forwarded to your @stanford address. If it has been more than 2 weeks, then try running "finger username@xenon" from any unix prompt on campus. If you get a username that does not exist, contact the Course Advisor. If you get a valid response from finger, but you can't log in to xenon there's probably a problem with your password. Go to Gates rooms 161-170 during business hours and bring your Stanford photo ID with you.

How do I change my password or e-mail forwarding settings?
Use the Web version of Pedit.

More Xenon Policies