Squiggles research computer server

Introduction

"Squiggles" is a dedicated research computer server for the analysis and storage of MEG, Neurophysiology, and Epilepsy data. Users can connect to it using either the FastX connection (recommended) or the older VNC method. This guide provides detailed steps for both methods.

Access Requirements

RCC account

To access "Squiggles", users must first have an RCC (Research Computer Server) account.

• Request an account at [MCW-Infoscope's Research Computing Center].
• If asked, select "others" and then "squiggles" to specify the desired server.
• Follow the provided steps to initiate a new session and gain remote access to Squiggles.

How to Access Squiggles

SSH Tunneling Method (for Mac/Linux/Windows)

Use the following command in a bash shell, terminal or Windows power shell to establish an SSH tunnel for the VNC Viewer: ssh -N -L 59**:localhost:59** squiggles.rcc.mcw.edu

VNC Method (for Windows)

Configuration:

• Download Putty.

VNC User Ports:

Users must log in using their designated port numbers. Below is the list of users and their respective ports:

User	Port
Jeff Stout	5910,5911
Joe Heffernan	5912
Candida Ustine	5914
Manoj Raghavan	5913
Chad Carlson	5915
Chris Anderson	5916
Serena Thompson	5917
Patrick Bauer	5918
Jeff Binder	5919
Leo Fernandino	5920
Lisa Conant	5921
Aqil Izadysadr	5922
Nick Guzowski	5923
Zack Harper	5924
Bill Gross	5925
Michelle Kassel	5926
Greg McQuestion	5927
Monica Keith	5928
Priyanka Shah	5929
Vahab Youssofzadeh	5931
Songhee Kim	5935
Cameron J Stewart	5992

Creating a VNC Session

• VNC sessions auto-start at bootup using the above-listed port numbers.
• If you encounter any issues, initiate a session manually using: vncserver :## -geometry 1900x1200. Replace ## with your specific port number.

Connecting to a VNC Session

RealVNC method:

• To access, use the [RealVNC viewer].
• In the server address bar, input localhost:##, where ## corresponds to the last two digits of your port number.
• Authenticate using both your VNC and RCC credentials.

FastX Method:

• FastX may offer a more user-friendly connection than VNC and address issues related to a large number of simultaneous VNC users.
• Download the FastX client and follow these steps:
  • Open FastX.
  • Click the '+' to initiate a new connection.
  • Provide the Connection Name, host (squiggles.rcc.mcw.edu), and user (your RCC username).
  • To enter a session, click the '+' and use /etc/X11/xinit/xinitrc as the command.

Troubleshooting

Common issues & Solutions

• VNC Black Screen: If VNC shows a black screen after login, ensure Anaconda Python is deactivated before creating the VNC session. Use the conda deactivate command in the terminal.
• FastX as an Alternative: If you experience persistent issues with VNC, consider using the FastX method described above.

Additional VNC Session Management:

• Killing a VNC session: In the terminal, use vncserver -kill :xx/. If required to kill manually, execute:

rm -f /tmp/.Xxx-lock
rm -f /tmp/.X11-unix/Xxx

• List of Active Users: Use the command ls -l /tmp/.X11-unix in the terminal.

List of users

From the terminal try,
ls -l /tmp/.X11-unix