Getting Started

Before using any of the software packages in the experimental software account, you must have followed the one-time procedure outlined below.

• Go to your home directory: cd.
• Create a bin directory: mkdir bin.
• Ensure the new directory is part of your PATH:
  • Examine your current PATH: echo $PATH.
  • If you don't see your bin directory (it will have a pathname such as /u3/accountname/bin, then you will have to edit your .bashrc or .bash_profile (or something else, if you're using a shell other than bash). The confusing part is that the system will sometimes read .bashrc and other times read .bash_profile. (See the manpage for the details: man bash.) Most users just want consistent behavior. To achieve that, edit both files (using any text editor). Look for any existing lines that modify the PATH, and insert $HOME/bin near the front of the path. For example, the old line might be:

    declare -x PATH=.:/usr/local/bin:/bin:/usr/bin:/usr/X11R6/bin
    

    Then the new line would be:

    declare -x PATH=.:$HOME/bin:/usr/local/bin:/bin:/usr/bin:/usr/X11R6/bin
    

• Now consult the list of packages and follow the specific instructions for individual packages.