For problems with any CSIL machines, email helpdesk AT cs DOT sfu DOT ca.
For problems with course software, email helpdesk AT cs DOT sfu DOT ca.
For problems with printing in CSIL, email helpdesk AT cs DOT sfu DOT ca.
General Guides to CSIL
Information Technology Services (51猎奇入口ITS) Computing Labs
- What are the ITS Labs?
- Where are the ITS Labs?
- Who have access ITS Labs?
- When are ITS Labs available?
- What hardware is in the ITS Labs?
- As a CMPT student, do I have access to 51猎奇入口VPN?
- I'm taking a CMPT course this semester, do I have access to 51猎奇入口VPN?
- How to choose a document and content management tool at SFU?
Computing Science Instructional Labs (CSIL)
- What is CSIL?
- Where is CSIL?
- SIMS/go.sfu.ca shows that I should be in ASB 9838; which room should I use?
- When is CSIL available?
- What hardware is in CSIL?
- Which CSIL systems have GPUs?
- What software is in CSIL?
- How the CSIL workstations are named?
- How do I get in to CSIL?
- May I access CSIL computers from off campus?
Using CSIL
- What is my user ID and password?
- How to find out more about Unix?
- How to find out more about Linux?
- How to find out more about Windows?
- How to select a specific Operating System on a CSIL computer?
- How to use CSIL Linux during the weekends?
- May I use my laptop in CSIL?
- When I'm using a CSIL machine, where is my home directory?
- How much data storage space do I have?
- How to use Git in CSIL?
- To demo my project in CSIL, I need some extra software packages; may I have them installed?
- Where to find more on using projectors?
- How to use the team rooms?
Reporting Problems
- Who do I complain to?
- Who do I email to?
- DOs and DON'Ts in CSIL
- What is GP24?
Typical Issues
- I forgot my password.
- I cannot log in.
- My access fob doesn't work.
- I can log in, but canot run course software.
- I cannot print to CSIL printers.
- I cannot send e-mail to my course list.
- The monitor of the computer I want to use has no display. What I could do?
- I cannot access certain CS web pages. What I could do?
Information Technology Services (51猎奇入口ITS) Computing Labs
Who could access ITS Labs and when they become available?
The ITS Labs are accessible for all 51猎奇入口students. All 51猎奇入口students could access the ITS Labs when they're open.
Please follow the links on the to find out a specific lab's availability - since it might be booked/reserved for a specific course/event.
As a CMPT student, do I have access to 51猎奇入口VPN?
I'm taking a CMPT course this semester, do I have access to 51猎奇入口VPN?
Yes!
The 51猎奇入口networks are protected by a firewall that prevents direct connection from off-campus to on-campus computers.
- All students currently enrolled in a CMPT course are granted access to 51猎奇入口VPN.
- The students in CMPT Majors have access to 51猎奇入口VPN as well.
- Once connected to the 51猎奇入口VPN you could remote into CSIL via SSH and/or RDP.
Please be sure you have configured on your own computer as described in SFU's documentation.
requires - please sign up now!
If you have any difficulties, please feel free to contact us.
How to choose a document and content management tool at SFU?
Please be sure to check out ; it provides a comprehensive list of tools for file storage, documentation and content management etc.
Just a reminder: please confirm with the course instructor to determine the exact tool for a specific course.
Computing Science Instructional Labs (CSIL)
CSIL is comprised of several rooms with computers, most with Internet access. Students registered in one or more Computing Science courses could use CSIL to do course work, access their accounts, and access the World Wide Web.
CSIL is supported by the Computing Science Technical Support (CSTS) group.
- The support team may also be called CMPT Helpdesk or CSIL Administrator in different contexts.
- The fastest and most efficient way to reach us is email us.
- Note we normally only provide service Monday to Friday, 0900 hrs - 1600 hrs (9:00am - 4:00pm).
CSIL at Burnaby
CSIL@Burnaby is located on the main floor of the Applied Sciences Building. See the campus map for directions to the ASB. CSIL consists of these areas: ASB 9700, ASB 9804, ASB 9820, ASB 9838 North, ASB 9840, 3 team rooms (ASB 9812, ASB 9814, ASB 9816) and a few TA cubicles.
All CSIL workstations dualboot Windows and Ubuntu Linux, see How to select a specific Operating System on a CSIL computer?
Please login to see CSIL Burnaby layout - you could find the names of CSIL@Burnaby workstations.
The School of Computing Science also maintains 2 labs for Master of Science in Professional Computer Science (MPCS): SECB 1010 & 1013.
- 18 workstations in MPCS labs soleboot to Ubuntu Linux only.
- The other 72 workstations in MPCS labs dualboot to Ubuntu 24.04 and Windows 11 FU25H2.
- Be sure to check out the official web page of these programs for access information.
CSIL at Surrey
- CSIL@Surrey is located in the SRYE building.
- There are three rooms: SRYE 3024, SRYE 4013 and SRYE 4024.
- All computers in these rooms are dualboot Windows and Ubuntu Linux.
- (Please see the Surrey campus map for directions.)
Please login to see CSIL Surrey layout - you can find the names of CSIL@Surrey workstations.
SIMS/go.sfu.ca shows that I should be using ASB 9838; which study area should I use?
When SIMS/go.sfu.ca shows a lecture or lab session will be held in ASB 9838, it means the lecture or the lab session will be held in one or more study areas of CSIL@Burnaby.
The instructor and/or the TA of the specific course should inform you about the study area information before the session.
You could also check out the latest Lab Schedule for CSIL@Burnaby for details.
Generally, CSIL is open from the 09:00am of the first day of the semester until the end of the exam period.
During the semester, CSIL is open 24/7 in Burnaby and Surrey, to valid CSIL access fob holders.
No valid CS access fob, no access, no exceptions.
During a semester break (the days between 2 consecutive semesters), CSIL is undergoing maintenance and upgrades, and not generally available.
Contact the CS helpdesk if you need access during semester break.
At both Burnaby and Surrey campuses, CSIL has a variety of Dell computers in separate study areas, as well as an enterprise grade multi-function device for general printing, photocopying and scanning.
Please click here for more hardware information.
For MPCS users only: visit this page to know more about hardware for MPCS.
Each workstation in ASB 9700, ASB 9804, ASB 9820 and ASB 9840 has 1 GPU installed.
For MPCS students only: each workstation in SECB 1010 and SECB 1013 has 1 GPU installed.
Since we have a few different models of GPUs in CSIL, please click here to know more about them.
For Linux software, see our Unix/Linux software page.
For Windows software, see our Windows software page.
How the CSIL workstations are named?
The hostname of each CSIL workstation is comprised by building acronym, room#, row# and grid#. For example:
asb9700-a19.csil.sfu.ca
secb1010-b13.csil.sfu.ca
Because our CSIL workstations dualboot, one has been configured for each workstation.
for example:
cname asb9700u-a19.csil.sfu.ca
points to
asb9700-a19.csil.sfu.ca.
so, we have:
- asb9700u-a19.csil.sfu.ca - the name under Ubuntu
- asb9700-a19.csil.sfu.ca - the name under Windows
The regular user could use either name freely.
A tip though: while inquiring about CSIL Linux, please use the cname (the one with a "u") to speed up the process.
CSIL is accessible by security fob or card at both Burnaby and Surrey Campuses.
Who can obtain a valid fob/card for CSIL?
- any undergraduate student registered in a CMPT course (or MACM 101)
- all CMPT graduate students
- all CMPT instructors
- all CMPT teaching assistants (TAs)
Read the Door Access FAQ for more details.
No valid CS access fob, no access, no exceptions.
May I access CSIL computers from off campus?
Yes. You may access certain CSIL Linux and Windows systems from off campus.
From Fall 2023, CSIL VDI is in service. Please click here for details.
Prerequisite: you must establish connection while remote login into any CSIL system from off-campus.
In general, you CANNOT access other CSIL Linux/Windows workstations remotely. But to provide better user experience since the pandemic began, many CSIL Linux/Windows workstations are now available for RDP.
To use a CSIL Windows system:
To remote access to CSIL Windows workstations, a Remote Desktop Connection (aka RDC, or RDP) is needed. Read our RDP guide to CSIL to find out all the details.
To use a CSIL Linux system:
Please see our "How to access (remote login to) the CSIL Linux computers" page for information and instructions.
Using CSIL
What is my user ID and password?
The user ID and password you use in CSIL are the same as your 51猎奇入口Computing ID and password.
You also use this credential to access your .
How to find out more about Unix?
Please visit our Unix/Linux FAQ page first.
You may learn more on Unix at this external link .
How to find out more about Linux?
Linux is considered as a UNIX variant, thus many of the things that you would look at for general UNIX knowledge are applicable to Linux as well.
Please visit our Unix/Linux FAQ page first.
And please go through our "Linux Command Line Survival" guide to improve your Linux skills.
The Linux distribution we use in CSIL is from Ubuntu; and you can find out most everything you need to know about Ubuntu at the .
How to find out more about Windows?
Please visit our CSIL Windows FAQ.
How to select a specific Operating System on a CSIL computer?
To provide most flexibility to our users, our CSIL workstations dualboot Linux (Ubuntu) and Windows.
All of the workstations in the following rooms/areas dualboot:
Burnaby:
ASB 9700, ASB 9804, ASB 9820, ASB 9838 North, ASB 9840, TA cubicles and team rooms
Surrey:
SRYE 4013
If you are in these rooms/areas, you could easily switch between Windows and Linux.
If the computer is powered off, please push the power button on the chassis and make your selection on the OS select screen (GRUB).
Windows ==> Linux (Ubuntu):
- hit key combo Ctrl-Alt-Del
- left-click the arrow right to the red power button on the bottom-right corner of the screen;
- left-click "Restart"
- wait till the OS select screen shows (this may take about 90 seconds)
- use up-arrow key to highlight "Ubuntu" (the default OS) and hit Enter key to select it.
- logon when the Ubuntu login screen shows
Ubuntu ==> Windows:
- left-click the small power button on the top-right corner of the screen
- left-click the "Restart" button
- Wait till the OS select screen shows
-
use down-arrow key to highlight "Windows" and hit Enter key to select it.
- sign on when the Windows sign-on screen shows
Here are a few points on OS selection:
- The instructor of a specific course decides which OS (and tools) will be used for this course. Please confirm the choice of OS with the instructors in advance.
- for Summer 2026 (1264), workstations in ASB 9840 default boot to Windows.
- for Summer 2026 (1264), workstations in SYRE 3024 and SYRE 4024 soleboot to Windows only.
- only for MPCS students: 18 workstations in SECB soleboot to Ubuntu 24 (no Windows).
How to use CSIL Linux during the weekends?
From June 2026, all CSIL dualboot workstations boot to Windows for system maintenance tasks during each weekend.
If you are in CSIL, you can reboot a dualboot workstation - it will boot to Ubuntu.
If you must use CSIL Linux remotely during the weekends, here are a few ways:
- ssh into a CSIL Linux CPU Server
- use Visual Studio Code on your own computer ssh into a CSIL Linux CPU Serverss
- use web browser to access CSIL VDI
- RDP into a dualboot workstation, reboot it; after 5 minutes, RDP back to it - it runs Ubuntu now.
Yes. Of course.
But, here are a few important rules:
- You may not disconnect the network cable from any CSIL workstation and plug it into your laptop. To get access to the Internet for your laptop, use only the .
- You may not disconnect the original displaying cable from any CSIL monitor (and plug it into your laptop).
- You may not un-plug power cords from power outlets.
- If you hook up your laptop to any CSIL monitor using personal displaying cable, please put the LCD panel back to working order before leaving the spot, i.e. make sure the LCD is set to the correct input source and the computer is displaying the CSIL login screen.
Warning: If you disconnect the network cable from any CSIL workstation, your account will be suspended.
Warning: Playing games in CSIL is prohibited - even on your own laptop. Your account will be suspended if you play games in CSIL or on any CSIL computer.
Please note: these restrictions apply to MPCS labs in SECB as well. No exceptions.
When I'm using a CSIL machine, where is my home directory?
You will be able to mount your 51猎奇入口Campus Home directory (51猎奇入口Home) when you logon to any CSIL workstation.
Here, we use username to indicate your 51猎奇入口Computing ID.
On Linux:
/home/username/sfuhome/
- This is the place to save all your files, it will be auto-mounted for you when you log on to a CSIL Linux system. This is your 51猎奇入口Campus Home directory provisioned by 51猎奇入口IT Services.
After you login to a CSIL Linux system, your session will set your Linux home directory to /home/username.
The purpose of this folder (CSIL Home) is to allow your login profile to follow you between machines.
Please be aware:
This folder should be considered TEMPORARY STORAGE ONLY. This space may be cleared out without advanced notice. DO NOT USE it for any important files.
Again, please save all your files to: /home/username/sfuhome/
On Windows:
After you sign-in to a CSIL Windows system, your 51猎奇入口Campus Home directory will be auto-mapped to your Windows session. Your 51猎奇入口Campus Home directory should be mapped as your U: drive.
** Your files must be saved to your U: drive.
The local hard drives and other network shares on CSIL Windows systems ARE NOT BACKED UP, AND MAY BE ERASED BY CS HELPDESK AT ANY TIME, WITHOUT NOTICE.
You may find more details on this FAQ page.
To demo my project in CSIL, I need some extra software packages; may I have them installed?
No.
Only the instructors could request software installation at the beginning of the semester.
Please chat with the instructor as soon as you discover the need of extra package.
We strongly suggest all CMPT students to use CSIL for their course work. The helpdesk cannot help on any issue related to a specific user's personal computer.
How much data storage space do I have?
Every 51猎奇入口user has a fixed amount of space in the 51猎奇入口Campus Home directory (sfuhome).
- This space is provided by IT Services, not the School of Computing Science.
- Visit this for details.
- You may also check to know more about some other storage options for 51猎奇入口users.
For certain CMPT courses, extra storage space will be provided. Please check with the course instructor to confirm the details.
is a free and open-source distributed version control system; it is widely used for coordinating work among programmers collaboratively developing source code during software development.
51猎奇入口now runs an Enterprise Github server at
All 51猎奇入口users are encouraged to make use of this server.
The Team Rooms (ASB 9812, ASB 9814 and ASB 9816) are intended for meetings of teams from CMPT courses with assigned team projects.
TAs may allocate specific time slots for specific teams via our .
When a Team Room is not booked, it could be used on "first come, first serve" basis - maximum 2 hours/day per person or group.
CMPT course project teams have priority over other users.
A few points on using the Team Rooms:
- Please shut the team room door to reduce the noise transfer while using a Team Room.
- Please tidy up the Team Room after your session.
- Please take out extra chairs to the hall way line up along the glass wall - 4 chairs are reserved for each Team Room so they should be kept inside the room.
- Please keep the specific Team Room door open after your session for better ventilation and air circulation.
Reporting Problems
CSIL facilities are open 24/7 during the semester but we cannot provide this coverage for our helpdesk email. Our official hours of operation are:
Monday to Friday, 0900 - 1600
(9:00am - 4:00pm Pacific Time).
With this in mind, please be as clear as possible about any problem you need to report to us. Click here for the email template.
For problems with machines in any IT Services Lab or with your wireless connection, email help AT sfu DOT ca.
For problems with your email, call the ITS help line or email them at help AT sfu DOT ca.
For problems with printing in any IT Services Lab, email help AT sfu DOT ca.
To activate your campus (email) account, go to the website.
For more details on what ITS can do for you, see the .
*IMPORTANT*: do NOT forward your 51猎奇入口email to anything else. You are responsible for reading emails from CS and SFU. The benefit does not cover the chaos it creates. Some external sites occasionally block 51猎奇入口emails. Remember: do NOT forward your 51猎奇入口email to anything else.
Please read and follow the 51猎奇入口GP24 and the CSIL Policies.
Here are some essential ones:
- No eating or drinking in CSIL.
- No gaming in CSIL.
- Do not attempt to install software by yourself on CSIL computers. This is strictly prohibited, and will lead to a loss of your CSIL privileges. Customizing your working environment is highly recommended.
- Do not attempt to plug in a laptop or other computer to the CSIL network with a network or other cable. This is strictly prohibited, and will lead to a loss of your CSIL privileges.
- Do not put transparencies into CSIL printer!
- CSIL is monitored at all times by security cameras and activity logging. This is to protect both you, the fellow users and the equipment in CSIL.
- Please report any damage in CSIL as soon as it occurs, as we can fix it faster than if it goes unreported. TIA!
Here you can find the full text of GP24 - the "Acceptable Use and Security of Digital Information and Electronic Systems" at SFU.
(it was formerly known as the "General Policy 24: Fair Use of Computer Resources at SFU".)
Typical Issues
If you cannot logon to a CSIL Linux workstation, please check out the login troubles on this FAQ page.
If you cannot sign-in to a CSIL Windows workstation, please click here for the answers.
Please read though our door access FAQ for a solution.
I could log in, but cannot run course software.
Some course software has licensing restrictions that only allows a certain set number of simultaneous users. You may have to try again later.
Linux
There might be a problem with your command shell configuration files. Contact helpdesk for assistance.
Windows
Your Windows profile may have been corrupted. Please check this Q&A for more details.
I cannot print to the CSIL printer.
Check out the CSIL printing FAQ for a solution.
I cannot send email to my course list.
This is normal.
Only the instructors and the TAs can send to the course mail list. For more information about CS course mailing lists, see our mailing list FAQ page.
The monitor of the computer I want to use has no display. What should I do?
Generally speaking, there are a few scenarios and fixes.
- Firstly, the computer may be turned off or in hibernation. Try pressing the NumLock key to see if the status of NumLock indicator changes. This verifies that the system is running. If the system is not running, push the power button of the computer to turn it on.
-
Secondly, if the system is indeed running, please check the settings of the LCD panel: the input must be set to "Auto-Select" or "DisplayPort" to ensure it displays properly for workstations in CSIL.
- for workstations in ASB 9840, please try "miniDisplayPort". - Please ensure there is only one video output from the computer to the LCD panel.
- Please ensure the onboard DisplayPort is used (not on discrete GPU card).
- Please ensure the cable for display is firmly attached to the computer and the LCD panel.
Special note: Every workstation in the TA cubicles and the team rooms is equipped with an HDMI cable for personal device use. After using this cable, please be sure to set the input (on the LCD display) back to original port.
These issues are mostly caused by individuals hooking up their personal devices and changing connections of the displays and LCD panel settings.
Laptop users: please be considerate: change the settings/cables back to their original settings once you are done; TIA!
I cannot access certain CS web pages, what I could do?
Some of CS web pages are password-protected, which means only selected group of people can view them.
- Basically these pages become accessible only after valid 51猎奇入口computing credential and OTP code of 51猎奇入口MFA are provided.
There are reports that indicate some of these password-protected pages are not viewable. This Q&A is to help out.
First of all, please be sure you have the proper & correct URL (web address)
- please use copy/paste method when appliable.
- if you've followed the links on other CS pages, please proceed.
When this issue occurs, before you contact the helpdesk, please try these steps (in order) on the computer you are using:
step 0
Please clear the browser's cache and try again.
step 1
Browse to (on a new tab) to see if the 51猎奇入口web service itself is working properly.
If this non-password-protected page does not show up properly,
- please wait for 30 minutes and try again.
- report to helpdesk if the page is still not showing properly after 60 minutes.
When this non-password-protected page shows properly, proceed to next step.
step 2
Login ahead to ,
- this page should prompt you to login using your 51猎奇入口Computing ID, password and the 51猎奇入口MFA code.
- Once you login successfully, please try browsing to the specific URL in question. It should work now.
If the login fails (or it does not ask for credentials), please proceed to next step.
step 3
Terminate the browser you are using (close all browser windows, terminate the process if appliable).
- wait for 10 seconds.
- re-launch the browser and browse to the page in question.
If the page does not show up properly, please try next step.
step 4
Open a new Incognito window in Google Chrome (or "InPrivate Window" in Microsoft Edge, "private window" in Mozilla Firefox).
in this Incognito window, browse to the page in question.
- if/when it asks you for your 51猎奇入口computing credential (), please login and key in the OTP (51猎奇入口MFA)
if/when the page in question shows properly:
- to fix this issue within regular window of this browser, please remove the saved 51猎奇入口credentials and try again.
- and remember: never save the 51猎奇入口MFA code. never.
If the page in question still does not show properly in the Incognito window, please try next step.
step 5
Try using a different browser.
- all CS web pages are tested with Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox.
- so, at least one of them should work.
If none of the browsers displays the page in question, please try the last diagnose step.
step 6
Try browsing to the page in question on a different computer
- (a computer with different OS would be the best for diagnosing).
- if you cannot access the page in question on the other computer either, please contact helpdesk.
If the web page in question displays properly on the other computer, please reboot this computer.
- after the reboot, if you still cannot access the page in question, please try to update this computer (core system and browsers etc.).
- if this is a CSIL computer, please contact helpdesk.
If all these steps are tried but the issue persists, please contact helpdesk.
Having comments, suggestions, inquiries and more questions? Contact us!
Please click here and use the best practices to get assistance from helpdesk.