UHUnix - Retired on August 3, 2026

Tags uhunix unix

Overview

This announcement is to inform you about the retirement of UHUnix, our legacy *nix shell environment. After many years of service, UHUnix was formally deprecated on Aug 3, 2026. We understand that UHUnix has been a valuable resource for many users, providing a platform for running select *nix programs, manipulating files, and hosting personal webpages. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for all affected users and have provided several alternative solutions to replace the functionality offered by UHUnix.

Alternative Services

UH Information Technology Services (ITS) suggests a range of supported services available as alternatives to common use cases for UHUnix:

  • Personal Webpages
    • For personal webpages, use Google Sites via your Google@UH account. This service includes a UH-branded URL (sites.hawaii.edu/[your_site]) that redirects to your UH Google Site (sites.google.com/hawaii.edu/[your_site]).
    • A temporary redirect service is now available to forward traffic from your current URL (www2.hawaii.edu/~[your_username]) to a new one starting August 3, 2026. To also redirect traffic before UHUnix retires, see the UHUnix Retirement knowledge base article.
  • Scholarly publications
    • To house scholarly work, researchers and students can take advantage of platforms such as ScholarSpace (available to UH Manoa users) or the broader UH System Repository.
  • General cloud file storage
    • For individuals requiring file storage and hosting solutions, Google Drive is available through Google@UH accounts. It provides an intuitive interface along with advanced tools for collaborative work and file sharing.
  • *nix Shell Environment
    • For a local *nix shell, we recommend Terminal on macOS or Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). These provide integrated *nix environments directly on your workstation.
    • For coding and compiling, GitHub Enterprise launches in Fall 2026 for all UH members. Learn more via our GitHub Enterprise page.
    • For hosted needs, ITS offers virtual Linux servers for purchase, allowing for a self-managed environment tailored to your requirements.

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Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to enhance our technological infrastructure and provide more robust and modern services to the University community.

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FAQs

Q1: Can I directly migrate my personal webpage to a Google Site or another service?

A: A direct 1:1 migration is not possible. See https://support.google.com/sites/?hl=en#topic=7184580 for documentation to assist with creating content in Google Sites.

Q2: I have personal homepage set up with a departmental UH account in UHUNIX, what are my options?

A: While you can use Google Sites to host your departmental webpage, departments may also want to consider looking into ITS' Web Hosting Service: https://www.hawaii.edu/its/webservice/faq.php

Q3: How do I request a sites.hawaii.edu/<your_site> URL?

A: You don't need to make a request, it should automatically take effect once your Google Site is published! For example, if you publish sites.google.com/hawaii.edu/helpdesk, you will be able to use sites.hawaii.edu/helpdesk.

Note: If you created and published your Google Site before May 15, 2021, your current URL may be sites.google.com/a/hawaii.edu/<your_site>. If this is the case, please contact the ITS Help Desk (link) for possible options based on your current use case or see Google@UH - Workaround for sites.hawaii.edu/sitename Not Redirecting to sites.google.com/a/hawaii.edu/sitename (link)

Q4: How do I request a temporary redirect from my www2.hawaii.edu/~username personal webpage to a new URL after UHUnix is no longer available?

A: This feature is available to be configured at https://www.hawaii.edu/its/www2redirect/ and can be used to temporarily redirect traffic to any page on www2.hawaii.edu/~username/* to a different URL (e.g. Google Sites or External URL). 

This temporary redirect service will be discontinued after 7/2/2027.

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