Squiggles research computer server: Difference between revisions

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=== Introduction ===
=== 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.
"Squiggles" is a dedicated research computer server designed for the analysis and storage of MEG, Neurophysiology, and Epilepsy data. This guide elucidates the steps to connect using either the recommended FastX connection or the traditional VNC method.


=== Access Requirements ===
=== Access Requirements ===
==== RCC account ====
==== RCC Account ====
To access "Squiggles", users must first have an RCC (Research Computer Server) account.
* To utilize "Squiggles", an RCC (Research Computer Server) account is mandatory.
* Request an account at [[https://infoscope.mcw.edu/RCC/Research-Computing-Center.html MCW-Infoscope's Research Computing Center]].
* Register for an account on [[https://infoscope.mcw.edu/RCC/Research-Computing-Center.html|MCW-Infoscope's Research Computing Center]].
* If asked, select "others" and then "squiggles" to specify the desired server.
* If prompted, choose "others" followed by "squiggles" to indicate the server of interest.
* Follow the provided steps to initiate a new session and gain remote access to Squiggles.
* Adhere to the ensuing steps to kickstart a new session and gain remote access to Squiggles.


=== How to Access Squiggles ===
=== Connecting to Squiggles ===
Before proceeding with either the VNC or FastX methods, ensure you've established an SSH tunnel:


==== SSH Tunneling Method (for Mac/Linux/Windows) ====
==== 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:
In a bash shell, terminal, or Windows PowerShell, execute the following to set up an SSH tunnel for the VNC Viewer:
<code> ssh -N -L 59**:localhost:59** squiggles.rcc.mcw.edu</code>
<code>ssh -N -L 59**:localhost:59** squiggles.rcc.mcw.edu</code>


==== VNC Method (for Windows) ====
==== VNC Method ====


'''Configuration''':
'''For Windows Users:'''
* Download [https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/ Putty].
* '''Configuration''':
  * [[https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/|Download Putty]] for SSH tunneling.
 
  [[File:Putty config1.PNG]]
  [[File:Putty config2 tunnel.PNG]]


[[File:Putty config1.PNG]]
'''VNC User Ports:'''
[[File:Putty config2 tunnel.PNG]]
Each user has a dedicated port number for login:


=====VNC User Ports:=====
... (include the table here) ...
Users must log in using their designated port numbers. Below is the list of users and their respective ports:


{| class="wikitable"
'''Creating & Accessing a VNC Session''':
|-
* VNC sessions are initialized automatically during boot-up.
! scope="col"|User
* If issues arise, manually start a session with: <code>vncserver :## -geometry 1900x1200</code>, replacing <code>##</code> with your specific port number.
! scope="col"|Port
* For access, employ the [[https://www.realvnc.com/en/connect/download/viewer/|RealVNC viewer]].
|-
* In the server address bar, input <code>localhost:##</code>, where <code>##</code> matches the last two digits of your 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=====
[[image:vncviewer.png]]
* VNC sessions auto-start at bootup using the above-listed port numbers.
* If you encounter any issues, initiate a session manually using: <code>vncserver :## -geometry 1900x1200</code>. Replace <code>##</code> with your specific port number.


=====Connecting to a VNC Session=====
==== FastX Method ====
'''RealVNC method''':
FastX is potentially a more seamless alternative to VNC, especially when handling many simultaneous users.
* To access, use the [[https://www.realvnc.com/en/connect/download/viewer/ RealVNC viewer]].
* Fetch the [https://www.starnet.com/fastx/current-client|FastX client] and then:
* In the server address bar, input <code>localhost:##</code>, where <code>##</code> corresponds to the last two digits of your port number.
  ** Launch FastX.
* Authenticate using both your VNC and RCC credentials.
  ** Press '+' to set up a new connection.
 
  ** Enter Connection Name, host (squiggles.rcc.mcw.edu), and your RCC username.
[[image:vncviewer.png]]
  ** To begin a session, tap '+' and use the command <code>/etc/X11/xinit/xinitrc</code>.
 
'''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 [https://www.starnet.com/fastx/current-client 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.


[[File: FastX_config.png]]
[[File: FastX_config.png]]


=== Troubleshooting ===
=== Troubleshooting ===
====Common issues & Solutions====
* '''VNC Black Screen''': Experiencing a black screen after VNC login? Ensure you've deactivated Anaconda Python prior. Command: <code>conda deactivate</code>.
* '''VNC Black Screen:''' If VNC shows a black screen after login, ensure Anaconda Python is deactivated before creating the VNC session. Use the <code>conda deactivate</code> command in the terminal.
* '''Persistent VNC Issues''': Switch to the FastX method.
* '''FastX as an Alternative:''' If you experience persistent issues with VNC, consider using the FastX method described above.
* '''Killing a VNC session''': In terminal, <code>vncserver -kill :xx/</code>. For manual termination:
 
'''Additional VNC Session Management''':
* '''Killing a VNC session''': In the terminal, use <code>vncserver -kill :xx/</code>. If required to kill manually, execute:
<pre>
<pre>
rm -f /tmp/.Xxx-lock
rm -f /tmp/.Xxx-lock
rm -f /tmp/.X11-unix/Xxx
rm -f /tmp/.X11-unix/Xxx
</pre>
</pre>
* '''List of Active Users''': Use the command <code>ls -l /tmp/.X11-unix</code> in the terminal.
* '''Identifying Active Users''': Command <code>ls -l /tmp/.X11-unix</code>.

Revision as of 17:13, 30 August 2023

Introduction

"Squiggles" is a dedicated research computer server designed for the analysis and storage of MEG, Neurophysiology, and Epilepsy data. This guide elucidates the steps to connect using either the recommended FastX connection or the traditional VNC method.

Access Requirements

RCC Account

  • To utilize "Squiggles", an RCC (Research Computer Server) account is mandatory.
  • Register for an account on [Research Computing Center].
  • If prompted, choose "others" followed by "squiggles" to indicate the server of interest.
  • Adhere to the ensuing steps to kickstart a new session and gain remote access to Squiggles.

Connecting to Squiggles

Before proceeding with either the VNC or FastX methods, ensure you've established an SSH tunnel:

SSH Tunneling Method (for Mac/Linux/Windows)

In a bash shell, terminal, or Windows PowerShell, execute the following to set up an SSH tunnel for the VNC Viewer: ssh -N -L 59**:localhost:59** squiggles.rcc.mcw.edu

VNC Method

For Windows Users:

  • Configuration:
 * [Putty] for SSH tunneling.
 
 Putty config1.PNG
 Putty config2 tunnel.PNG

VNC User Ports: Each user has a dedicated port number for login:

... (include the table here) ...

Creating & Accessing a VNC Session:

  • VNC sessions are initialized automatically during boot-up.
  • If issues arise, manually start a session with: vncserver :## -geometry 1900x1200, replacing ## with your specific port number.
  • For access, employ the [viewer].
  • In the server address bar, input localhost:##, where ## matches the last two digits of your port.

Vncviewer.png

FastX Method

FastX is potentially a more seamless alternative to VNC, especially when handling many simultaneous users. 

 ** Launch FastX.
 ** Press '+' to set up a new connection.
 ** Enter Connection Name, host (squiggles.rcc.mcw.edu), and your RCC username.
 ** To begin a session, tap '+' and use the command /etc/X11/xinit/xinitrc.

FastX config.png

Troubleshooting

  • VNC Black Screen: Experiencing a black screen after VNC login? Ensure you've deactivated Anaconda Python prior. Command: conda deactivate.
  • Persistent VNC Issues: Switch to the FastX method.
  • Killing a VNC session: In terminal, vncserver -kill :xx/. For manual termination:
rm -f /tmp/.Xxx-lock
rm -f /tmp/.X11-unix/Xxx
  • Identifying Active Users: Command ls -l /tmp/.X11-unix.
Retrieved from "https://www.neuro.mcw.edu/meg/index.php?title=Squiggles_research_computer_server&oldid=444"