Using use

The load script allows users to easily set up their environment to run software packages that have been installed in the Lab, such as spim and freeciv. The command load "package name" will add to your PATH and MANPATH variables, set up aliases, and do anything else that needs to be done before you can run the software.

An example for the load command would be "load acrobat".

However, as simple as the command is, it can become quite tedious to type it for every software package you want to run every time you log in. To make things easier, you can put these commands in your .bashrc file, and they will be run automaticly every time you log in. To edit your .bashrc file, follow these simple directions:

1. Make sure you are in your home directory by typing cd ~
2. Open your .bashrc file in your favorite text editor by giving a command like pico .bashrc. (Make sure you get the dot! It's part of the filename.)
3. At the end of this file put any commands you wish to run at the beginning of your session. For example, if you want to set up spim automaticly, you would add load spim to this file (load -q spim will update paths without displaying a message to your screen). A sample .bashrc file is available.
4. Save the file, and you're done! The next time you log in (or open a new terminal window in X) the new commands will be run.

<NOTE: As of November 2003, the use script has now been changed to 'load'. Please update your .bashrc files accordingly.>

As always, if you have any questions, please send email to the admins.

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