How can I install and activate MATLAB on a Unix/Linux machine without using the X Window System (X Server)?

Solution:

As of R2010b, installation with an X server can only be done by using the silent installer. Please see the related solution linked below for information on using the silent installer.

For R2010a or earlier, it is possible to setup a machine without an X Server running. However, you must have the X Server libraries installed on the machine in order to install and run MATLAB. For the information on how to install and activate MATLAB R2010a and earlier without X, see the information below.

You will need both a File Installation Key and a license file to complete the installation. If you have a network license and require these pieces, contact your license administrator for the File Installation Key and a copy of the license file from the license server. If you are the license administrator setting up the license server, or if you have a standalone license, you can obtain these keys by activating the license in the License Center.

To activate the license in the License Center, follow the instructions in the guide here:

http://www.mathworks.com/support/activation/help_system/guides/activating_software.pdf

NOTE: In order to activate, you will need the Host ID of the computer. To find the Host ID, see thethe related solution below.

Once you have the license file and File Installation Key, you can install follow these steps:

1) Launch the installer using the "-t" flag. For example:
./install.sh -t
2) Type "a" and press Enter to accept the license agreement.
3) Enter the destination folder to install MATLAB and press Enter. For example: /usr/local/matlab78.
4) Enter or paste in the File Installation Key for your license.
5) On the next screen you can select your products. By default all of your products will be installed. To remove a product, type the number listed next to the product and hit Enter. Repeat this process to remove any additional unwanted products.
6) Enter "c" and hit Enter to continue.
7) If you have a network license type, you will be prompted to enter the location of the license file. Type in the full path including the file name if prompted.
8) Enter "y" and press Enter to continue. The installer will proceed and complete.

If you have a network license file, you were prompted to provide your license file and it will be automatically copied into MATLAB's licenses folder. If you have a standalone license file, you will need to manually place the license file. To do so:

1) Navigate to the directory where you chose to install MATLAB.
2) If the "licenses" subdirectory does not exist, create this directory
3) Save your license file as "license.dat" in MATLAB's licenses subdirectory.

Once complete, MATLAB will be installed and activated.