Cygwin X-Windows

Supported Operating Systems:  Microsoft Windows only.

General Description: The Cygwin website defines Cygwin as:

“…  a Linux-like environment for Windows. It consists of two parts:

• A DLL (cygwin1.dll) which acts as a Linux API emulation layer providing substantial Linux API functionality.
• A collection of tools which provide Linux look and feel. “

Cygwin.com further explains what Cygwin is not:

• “Cygwin is not a way to run native linux apps on Windows. You have to rebuild your application from source if you want it to run on Windows.
• Cygwin is not a way to magically make native Windows apps aware of UNIX ® functionality, like signals, ptys, etc. Again, you need to build your apps from source if you want to take advantage of Cygwin functionality.”

Availability: This product is installed in all ITS-managed Windows labs.

Scope of License:  This software is free.

Method for Obtaining:

• For personally owned machines or machines on which you hold administrative privilege, download from Cygwin and install.
• For Mines-owned, ITS managed machines that are not in labs, submit a Mines Help Center request for installation.

Documentation:  Available from the Cygwin web-site.

In case of difficulties running the software in a Mines IT managed lab:  Contact ITS via the Mines Help Center. We want the program to be properly installed, licensed and functioning. If you have questions about the use of the program, please contact your instructor, TA or lab manager.