If you use an X-terminal or your workstation is running "xdm", you need to arrange for the clients to run under "ssh-agent". The easiest way (which is conveniently compatible with the method used without "xdm") is to put all initial clients into the "$HOME/.xinitrc" file which in turn is called from the "$HOME/.xsession" file.
An example "$HOME/.xsession" file is below. It runs "ssh-agent" only if you have a "$HOME/.ssh" directory.
#!/bin/sh
if [ -d ~/.ssh ]
then
EXEC="exec ssh-agent"
else
EXEC="exec"
fi
if [ -x ~/.xinitrc ]
then
$EXEC ~/.xinitrc
else
$EXEC xterm -geometry 80x24+0-60 -ls
fi
Make sure the ".xinitrc" and ".xsession" files are executable. The following command will change the permissions suitably.
[WOMBATNET:/home/wombat]
$ chmod a+x ~/.xinitrc ~/.xsession
NOTE: If you are using an X-terminal, keep in mind that your session is most likely not secure. Usually anything you type can be captured on the local area network you are connected to.
If you have questions about this document, please contact SCD Customer Support. You can also reach us by telephone 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 303-497-1278. Additional contact methods: consult1@ucar.edu and during business hours in NCAR Mesa Lab Suite 39.