To gain access to the RC systems, users must have two-factor authentication enabled through a Duo account (more information here) and a SSH client. MacOSX and Linux systems come with a SSH client installed, while Microsoft Windows systems will need one installed. We recommend the SSH Secure Shell Client, as it has a file manager built into it, but users can also use PuTTY.
From the Linux/MacOSX/SSH client command line, type in the following command to connect:
ssh -p 222 username@servername.sc.edu
To enable graphical programs on the cluster, add the -X option to the above ssh command. This enables transparent forwarding of X applications to your local screen, which directs the communication through an encrypted tunnel.
You will then be prompted for your password, provided at account creation, and Duo authentication. Once authenticated, you will be connected to a login node.
After your initial login, change your password using the command passwd on a login node. Your
password should contain:
A login node is connected to the external network and to the private cluster network, but does not run jobs itself. It is intended for:
DO NOT RUN JOBS ON HEADNODES. Multiple offenses will result in account suspension.
Once you have logged into a cluster, you will navigate and execute programs through the Bash shell. Here is
a short list of useful BASH commands for users:
pwd displays your current directory
ls displays what files are in your current directory
cd .. moves you up one level to the folder above your current directory
cd ../.. moves up two levels
cd move to your home directory
For further information on how to use the Bash shell, see the following resources:
scp.
For example, to copy from the cluster to your computer, use the command
scp -P 222 username@login.rci.sc.edu:~/path/to/file ~/path/to/destination
To copy from your computer to the cluster, use the command
scp -P 222 ~/path/to/file username@login.rci.sc.edu:/~path/to/destination