CLI - an SSH terminal

Most users will access the cluster with a command line interface (CLI) using an SSH client. However, some may choose a graphical user interface (GUI) or a web interface to use the cluster.

Command line interface (CLI)

You would need an SSH client on your local computer to connect to the HPC cluster. MacOS and Linux provide SSH clients while most Windows machines require users to install external SSH clients.

In all cases, you would need to provide the following:

• hostname - hpc.cofc.edu

• user name - your user name

• your password or SSH public key location

• protocol and ports - if not populated by default, you can pick 'SSH' protocol running on port '22'

Windows

Windows 10 now has a Bash shell. If you are using an older version of Windows, you have the following options, among others for sure.

• MobaXterm - free + commercial versions providing SSH, X11, VNC and FTP clients.

• Windows PowerShell - Included in windows 10; good SSH client

• XManager - free + commercial versions providing SSH, X11, VNC and FTP clients.

• Git Bash - free and lightweight SSH client.

• PuTTY - free SSH client and Bash environment

MacOS/Linux

Both Mac OS and Linux distributions include an SSH client by default. No additional software should be required to access the HPC cluster.

Mac OS users can go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.app to open the Mac Terminal. Different Linux distributions offer terminals and feature them prominently.

To enable X11 forwarding, an XQuartz Xserver needs be running on the local Mac OS machine.

To log into the cluster, open a terminal and enter the following command:

• ssh [e-mail]

If you want the ability to see graphical outputs from the cluster, give ssh a '-X' or '-Y' flag.

• ssh -X [e-mail]

You will be prompted to enter your password to log in. In the long run, you probably want to generate an SSH key that would allow you to log in without entering a password every time.