Oracle

Overview

Our current version is Oracle Database 26ai on a host named Apollo. This is a new instance that has replaced Artemis, the Oracle Database 18c system.

Students registered for the following courses get access to Oracle automatically:

How do I get access to Oracle?

First, you need to set up your Oracle database account. Students are eligible when registered for a course that uses Oracle (see above) or when sponsored by faculty, e.g. for research. Students not currently taking a class should ask their faculty sponsor to send the request for access to cechelp@gmu.edu .

Activate your account on GMU’s Oracle Database server

You can activate your Oracle account by going to https://labs.cec.gmu.edu/access/

How to connect to Oracle

If you are off campus you MUST first connect to the VPN. You can find more information on the VPN page.

There are three methods of connecting to Oracle. Follow your instructors directions as to which method to use.

• command line access through SSH to zeus.cec.gmu.edu
• SQL Developer GUI
• Using the JDBC driver (Be sure and get the latest JDBC drivers.)

Command line access to Oracle through SSH to zeus.cec.gmu.edu

1. If you are off campus (this includes the dorms) you need to first connect to the VPN
2. Then SSH to zeus.cec.gmu.edu. On Windows you can use PuTTY. On Linux, or on a Mac, you can use Terminal and enter the command
   ssh your-gmu-netid@zeus.cec.gmu.edu
   
   Mac users can find the Terminal app in Applications \ Utilities.
3. Once you are connected to Zeus you run the command sqlplus and enter your Oracle username and password when prompted.

The SQL Developer GUI

1. Download and install SQL Developer from
   https://www.oracle.com/tools/downloads/sqldev-downloads.html
   You will be required to create a free Oracle account in order to download the software. Your GMU ID will not work here.
2. If you are off campus (this includes the dorms) connect to the VPN
3. Create a new connection using the following settings:
   

Username:	Enter your GMU NetID here. Omit @gmu.edu or @masonlive.gmu.edu.
Password:	Enter the password provided at labs.cec.gmu.edu/access/. Your GMU password will not work here.
Hostname:	apollo.cecnet.gmu.edu
Port:	1521
Service Name:	cecpdb1.cecnet.gmu.edu

1. Click the “Test” button to verify that the settings are correct
2. Click the “Save” button

What are the JDBC connection parameters for Oracle?

• Name: apollo.cecnet.gmu.edu
• Port: 1521
• Service Name: cecpdb1.cecnet.gmu.edu

The connection string should be

jdbc:oracle:thin:@apollo.cecnet.gmu.edu:1521/cecpdb1.cecnet.gmu.edu

FAQs

Where can I obtain the latest JDBC drivers?

The necessary software can be obtained from the Oracle web site on their JDBC Downloads Page.

IMPORTANT: You will need to have or create an Oracle account to access the downloads. Be sure and select “Create Account” as Oracle’s web site does not participate in Mason’s identity management systems. (Your Mason NetID and password WILL NOT work to log in to the Oracle web site.)

I entered my password incorrectly, and my account is locked

Your account should unlock itself after about 20 minutes.

How do I change my Oracle password?

You can change your Oracle password here. Click “Manage Account” on the right hand side. Your password for the VSE Oracle database system is different than your GMU password (that you use to log in to Patriot Web), and your account on the Oracle web site (oracle.com).