Access from Web Browser

Overview

After the 2025 Stronghold HyperV migration, all Linux workstations must be accessed via a web browser.

Connecting via a Web Browser

NOTE: Users on campus must be connected to the Brown WiFi or a wired connection in a research building. Off-campus users can access their environments by connecting through the Brown VPN.

1. Log in with your web browser

Point a web browser to your tenant page at https://<tenant>.stronghold.brown.edu

Enter your Brown credentials and select Login.

Select a Duo option for two-factor verification. Type the number of your choice and select Submit.

Click the Proceed button to move forward.

2. Start a Session

After completing Duo verification, you’ll be taken to the session window. Any active sessions would appear here, but since this is your first login, you’ll need to start a new one.

Select the "Desktop" bookmark and click it to launch your session.

Note: The "Terminal" option is intended for advanced users comfortable working from the command line.

Then, click on Browser Client. Currently, only the browser client is supported.

Tenants with multiple Linux workstations will be prompted to select a server. Talk to your PI or tenant admin for more information.

3. Navigate Environment

A dropdown menu of applications is found in the top-left of the desktop environment under "Stronghold".

If you click the terminal icon from the Stronghold dropdown, you’ll open a new terminal window. In it, you can load software modules, Conda environments, and run other commands. Expect to do most of your work here.

Note: you can only run one desktop session per workstation. Launching additional sessions will automatically terminate any other running sessions.

4. Exit/Leave a Session

To save your session and disconnect: exit out of your browser window or tab.

To terminate your session:

• In the Stronghold dropdown menu, select Log Out.

• Then click the "Log Out" button.