Web FAQ

What kind of web server is my page stored on?
The web server is a Sun Solaris machine, running the UNIX operating system. The web server software is Apache.

How do I activate my web account?
You do not have to do anything to activate your account. As a member of the Stern community, an account will automatically be activated and given to you.

How much space am I allowed on the server?
Each user is allotted 150MB of personal space for the storage of files on the server. Please see the Web Usage Policy page for information regarding the terms of usage for this space.

What is the URL of my homepage?
Your page's URL is in the format of: http://people.stern.nyu.edu/username
Simply replace username with your own username/NetID (e.g. abc123, xyz456) or your club's username.

How do I upload my files to the server?
You must upload your files using a secure FTP program, such as WinSCP.

Do I have a shell account?
Yes, all users are given a shell account through which they can telnet in to the server. You will connect to: sales.stern.nyu.edu if you are a student. Faculty and administrators should connect to: eureka.stern.nyu.edu

Where is the Perl interpreter? .. Date? .. Sendmail?
The Perl interpreter is located in: /usr/local/bin/perl
You can find out the location of each of these by logging in with your shell account and typing in: whereis programname
This will return the path of the program's location on the server.

What version of Perl is available on the server?
The server uses Perl 5.6.1. To find out the version of any program on the server (such as perl, gcc), login to your shell account and type: programname -v

What C compiler can we use to compile our programs?
The server has the GNU C Compiler (gcc)available to compile C programs.

What server can I go to compile programs?
Students can write and compile programs on: sales.stern.nyu.edu
Administrators and staff should use: eureka.stern.nyu.edu
Faculty should use: grid.stern.nyu.edu

What is the path to my home directory?
Login to your shell account and type: pwd
This will return the path of the folder where you are currently located. By default, you are placed in your home directory upon login.

Can I run my own CGI scripts?
Yes, you are allowed to run your own CGI scripts, as long as they conform to our terms of usage.

How do I setup my CGI scripts?
Once you have your CGI scripts in the location from which you to run them (they can be stored anywhere under your public_html directory), you will need to change the permissions so that they are executable by all. You do this by logging in via telnet and changing the permissions with the following command for all your scripts: CHMOD 755 filename.cgi
For more information on UNIX commands, see this guide.

What is supported on the server?
The server supports HTML, CSS, JavaScript, CGI, and Perl.

Do you support Microsoft Frontpage extensions?
No, our servers do not have Frontpage extensions installed. We do not support those features.

Are any databases available for Stern students to use?
Access to the MySQL server is granted on a case by case basis. To apply for access, please contact the Stern Help Desk.

Can I use Flash / RealPlayer / etc files?
Yes, you can use any of these media formats, as long as they conform to the terms of usage.

Is there a bandwidth limit on my account?
No, there is currently no limit on the amount of bandwidth transferred by your site.

I have a question that's not answered here.
If after reading this FAQ your question is still not answered, you can email helpdek@stern.nyu.edu with your inquiry.