> Source: https://wiki.msvincognito.nl/useful-guides/linux-tricks
> Captured: 2026-08-02

# Linux Tricks

GNU/Linux tricks for Maastricht University

This guide is by one of our former board members and was last updated at 15/01/2020.

* * *

This repository contains commands and configs I found useful regarding the use of University services. Some of these may be distro-specific so your mileage may vary.

Mentions of `<student id>` refer to the UM username, e.g. `i6123456` including the `i`.

## [Eduroam](#eduroam)

### [Netctl](#netctl)

Below is a config for `netctl` that works with Eduroam.

`/etc/netctl/wlp3s0-eduroam`

`Description='eduroam' Connection=wireless Interface=wlp3s0 Security=wpa-configsection ESSID=eduroam TimeoutWPA=10 IP=dhcp WPAConfigSection=(     'ssid="eduroam"'     'proto=WPA2'     'key_mgmt=WPA-EAP'     'eap=PEAP'     'phase2="auth=MSCHAPV2"'     'identity="<student id>@unimaas.nl"'     'password="<password>"' )`

## [VPN](#vpn)

### [OpenConnect](#openconnect)

[OpenConnect](https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/OpenConnect) can be used to connect to the University VPN, for instance to gain access to journals.

Installation on Arch:

`sudo pacman -S openconnect`

Installation on Debian/Ubuntu/Mint:

`sudo apt-get install openconnect`

Having installed it simply run:

`sudo openconnect vpn.maastrichtuniversity.nl -u <student id>`

Type in your password, and you're in!

### [EZproxy](#ezproxy)

Alternatively, you may use [EZproxy](https://www.oclc.org/nl/ezproxy.html) from within your browser for access to literature as described [here](https://linuxunimaas.blogspot.com/2013/11/reading-literature-from-home-with-your.html).

### [Cisco Anyconnect](#cisco-anyconnect)

You can also use [Cisco Anyconnect](https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/security/anyconnect-secure-mobility-client/tsd-products-support-series-home.html) software to connect it via a graphical interface as explained in the [ICT manual](https://kb-icts-maastrichtuniversity-nl.ezproxy.ub.unimaas.nl/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=20513914)

## [File service](#file-service)

The University file service is accessible with [Samba](https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/samba). Note that it seems you need to be physically present and connected to the university Eduroam to make use of the file services.

You can use `smbclient` to get a list of network drives:

`smbclient -L mfs.maastrichtuniversity.nl -U <student id>`

You may use CIFS (e.g. install `cifs-utils` on Arch) to mount the drives directly. In order to mount your private drive directory in `/media/unimaas/userdata` run:

`# Create a mountpoint sudo mkdir -p /media/unimaas/userdata # Mount it sudo mount -t cifs //mfs.maastrichtuniversity.nl/users/students/<student id>/data /media/unimaas/userdata -o username=<student id>@unimaas.nl,vers=2.0,uid=$(id -u),gid=$(id -g)`

More information may be found in the [ICTS Manual - UM drive mappings](https://kb-icts-maastrichtuniversity-nl.ezproxy.ub.unimaas.nl/display/ISM/Manual+File+Service+-+Mapping+UM+network+drives+in+Windows).

### [VMware Horizon](#vmware-horizon)

Like any other platform, you can download the [Horizon Client](https://www.vmware.com/go/viewclients#linux64) and access to your Student Desktop Anywhere. Careful tho, it's Windows.

## [Useful resources](#useful-resources)

-   [Linux @ Maastricht University blog](https://linuxunimaas.blogspot.com/)
-   [ICTS Manual from within MAASnet](https://kb.icts.maastrichtuniversity.nl/display/ISM/ICTS+Servicedesk+Manuals) and [by proxy](https://kb-icts-maastrichtuniversity-nl.ezproxy.ub.unimaas.nl/display/ISM/ICTS+Servicedesk+Manuals)