Using the RCS compute cluster has traditionally required the use of SSH to connect and to transfer files. However, it’s possible to use most of the system’s capabilities from a web browser on your computer or tablet:
- The Login service provides a familiar command-line interface, without the need for a separate SSH client (except for using graphical applications such as MATLAB or GaussView which require X forwarding). Pressing Ctrl + Alt + Shift or swiping right from the left edge of the screen brings up a menu for clipboard access, display scaling etc.
- The Jupyter service offers an interactive, graphical editor for Python, Julia, R, JavaScript and MATLAB. Further language kernels can be installed using Conda.
- The RStudio service provides a similar interface specifically for R development.
- The Self-service portal provides various services, including the ability to check the status of previously submitted jobs (and extend their execution where eligible) and to check the status of the compute service itself and subscribe to service alerts.
These services all require an on-campus or VPN connection. Jupyter and RStudio allow file upload and download but for bulk data transfer we recommend connecting the RDS to your machine as a network drive.
Further resources
- Getting started on the RCS web pages