Cluster Connections
How to connect to the cluster with a PC?
UIT research servers require an ssh connection to a host providing shell access. Use of Cygwin ssh, SecureCRT, Putty, etc... will work. Other forms of connection such as XDM, rsh, rlogin, telnet are not supported.
How may I connect to the cluster if I don't have a computer?
There are many computer labs on campus that you may use.
What connection protocols are supported on the cluster?
ssh, ssh2, sftp, scp
How to connect to the cluster with a Mac?
Open an xterm window and use ssh.
> ssh -Y -C cluster.uit.tufts.edu
Provide your username and password (same as your email).
How to connect to the cluster under Linux?
Open a local shell window or xterm and connect with:
> ssh -Y cluster.uit.tufts.edu
Provide your username and password (same as your email).
Can I connect to the cluster from home or while I am traveling?
Yes, use an ssh based login solution such as ssh, SecureCrt, etc...
Do I need SecureCRT to connect to the cluster?
No, if you use Cygwin you do not need SecureCRT. If you choose to use it, you will likely need a windows based X server such as Exceed or Xwin32 or similar if you expect to display graphics.
Can I get SecureCRT from Tufts?
Yes. Information can be found on the Tufts UIT website.
What is X11 forwarding?
ssh provides a protocol for sending X11 graphics between computers. This option needs to be turned on within your ssh program, such as SecureCRT or ssh, etc. If you use SecureCRT you need to enable X11 forwarding. Look for this option in your SecureCRT preference or global settings.
Why is an Xserver needed?
This software is needed if you wish to display on your PC or Mac, windows generated by an application such as Matlab, running on the cluster.
Where can I get more info about Xservers?
Visit the link X based graphics FAQs on the first page of this wiki.
How do I connect to the cluster from the Blake Computational Studio in Anderson Hall?
Blake Lab is currently configured to use WinScp for transferring files between your Windows account and the cluster.
For ssh and X11 needs there is a linux virtual(program) running on lab PCs. Just login to one of the Blake systems and click on the linux icon on the desktop. It automatically boots into guest mode. Once established a terminal window should start up automatically. From there you can login to the cluster with ssh:
ssh -Y -C UTLN@cluster.uit.tufts.edu
Make sure x11 over ssh works by typing xlogo at the cluster shell prompt.
This should bring up a small window with an X inside of it.
From this point you can start any of the cluster applications as one would normally do.
If you have any questions on getting to the cluster from Blake Lab PCs or your own laptop/desktop, contact Shawn Doughty via email at: staff@asunix.tufts.edu
Arrangements can be made to obtain a linux virtual solution for X11 support.