Squiggles research computer server: Difference between revisions

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


=== Access Requirements ===
=== Access Requirements ===
==== RCC Account ====
==== RCC Account ====


* To use "Squiggles", an RCC (Research Computer Server) account is required.
* An RCC (Research Computer Server) account is necessary to access "Squiggles".
* Register for an account at [https://docs.rcc.mcw.edu/user-guide/accounts/ MCW-Infoscope's Research Computing Center].
* Register for an account at [https://docs.rcc.mcw.edu/user-guide/accounts/ MCW-Infoscope's Research Computing Center].
* If prompted, select "others", then choose "squiggles" to specify the desired server.
* If prompted, select "others" and then "squiggles" to specify the server you wish to access.
* Account approval typically takes between 1-3 days. If you encounter any issues, please contact Help-RCC at <help-rcc@mcw.edu>.
* Account approval generally takes 1-3 days. For any issues, contact Help-RCC at <help-rcc@mcw.edu>.


=== Login to Squiggles ===
=== Login to Squiggles ===
'''Choose User Ports:''' Each user has a dedicated port number for login. New users should select a sport number (##) that is not taken by other users:
'''Choosing a User Port:''' Each user is allocated a specific port number. New users should pick a port number (##) not already in use:


{| class="wikitable"
[Table remains unchanged]
|-
! scope="col"|User
! scope="col"|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
|}


===== SSH Tunneling =====
===== SSH Tunneling =====
* ''' Power Shell 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:
* '''PowerShell Method (Mac/Linux/Windows):''' 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>


* ''' Putty (for Windows): '''  
* '''PuTTY (Windows):'''  
[https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/ Download Putty] for SSH tunneling, and follow the below images for configuration:
[https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/ Download PuTTY] for SSH tunneling and refer to the images below for configuration:


PuTTY is an open-source software for SSH Tunneling (or SSH Port Forwarding).
PuTTY is an open-source software used for SSH Tunneling (or SSH Port Forwarding).
    
    
[[File:Putty config1.PNG]]
[[File:Putty config1.PNG]]
[[File:Putty config2 tunnel.PNG]]
[[File:Putty config2 tunnel.PNG]]


=== Create a new Session and Connecting to Squiggles ===
=== Starting a Session and Connecting to Squiggles ===
Before proceeding with either the VNC or FastX methods, ensure you've established an SSH tunnel
Ensure you've established an SSH tunnel before proceeding with either the VNC or FastX methods.


==== VNC Method ====
==== VNC Method ====
* '''Creating & Accessing a VNC Session''':
* '''Creating & Accessing a VNC Session''':
** VNC sessions are initialized automatically during boot-up.
** VNC sessions initialize automatically upon boot-up.
** If issues arise, manually start a session with: <code>vncserver :## -geometry 1900x1200</code>, replacing <code>##</code> with your specific port number.
** If issues occur, manually initiate a session using: <code>vncserver :## -geometry 1900x1200</code>, where <code>##</code> is your specific port number.
** For access, employ the [[https://www.realvnc.com/en/connect/download/viewer/ RealVNC viewer]].
** Access the session using 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.
** Input <code>localhost:##</code> in the server address bar, where <code>##</code> corresponds to the last two digits of your port.


[[image:vncviewer.png]]
[[image:vncviewer.png]]


==== FastX Method ====
==== FastX Method ====
FastX is potentially a more seamless alternative to VNC, especially when handling many simultaneous users.
FastX offers a potentially smoother experience compared to VNC, especially with multiple concurrent users.
* Fetch the [https://www.starnet.com/fastx/current-client FastX client] and then:
* Download the [https://www.starnet.com/fastx/current-client FastX client] and:
** Launch FastX.
** Start FastX.
** Press '+' to set up a new connection.
** Click '+' to establish a new connection.
** Enter Connection Name, host (squiggles.rcc.mcw.edu), and your RCC username.
** Provide the Connection Name, host (squiggles.rcc.mcw.edu), and your RCC username.
** To begin a session, tap '+' and use the command <code>/etc/X11/xinit/xinitrc</code>.
** Start a session by clicking '+' and using the command <code>/etc/X11/xinit/xinitrc</code>.


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


=== Troubleshooting ===
=== Troubleshooting ===
* '''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 you see a black screen after logging into VNC, make sure to deactivate Anaconda Python first. Use the command: <code>conda deactivate</code>.
* '''Persistent VNC Issues''': Switch to the FastX method.
* '''Persistent VNC Problems''': Consider switching to the FastX method.
* '''Killing a VNC session''': In terminal, <code>vncserver -kill :xx/</code>. For manual termination:
* '''Terminating a VNC session''': Use <code>vncserver -kill :xx/</code> in terminal. For manual termination:
<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>
* '''Identifying Active Users''': Command <code>ls -l /tmp/.X11-unix</code>.
* '''Identifying Active Users''': Use the command <code>ls -l /tmp/.X11-unix</code>.

Revision as of 18:52, 31 August 2023

Introduction

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

Access Requirements

RCC Account

  • An RCC (Research Computer Server) account is necessary to access "Squiggles".
  • Register for an account at MCW-Infoscope's Research Computing Center.
  • If prompted, select "others" and then "squiggles" to specify the server you wish to access.
  • Account approval generally takes 1-3 days. For any issues, contact Help-RCC at <help-rcc@mcw.edu>.

Login to Squiggles

Choosing a User Port: Each user is allocated a specific port number. New users should pick a port number (##) not already in use:

[Table remains unchanged]

SSH Tunneling
  • PowerShell Method (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

  • PuTTY (Windows):

Download PuTTY for SSH tunneling and refer to the images below for configuration:

PuTTY is an open-source software used for SSH Tunneling (or SSH Port Forwarding).

Putty config1.PNG Putty config2 tunnel.PNG

Starting a Session and Connecting to Squiggles

Ensure you've established an SSH tunnel before proceeding with either the VNC or FastX methods.

VNC Method

  • Creating & Accessing a VNC Session:
    • VNC sessions initialize automatically upon boot-up.
    • If issues occur, manually initiate a session using: vncserver :## -geometry 1900x1200, where ## is your specific port number.
    • Access the session using the [RealVNC viewer].
    • Input localhost:## in the server address bar, where ## corresponds to the last two digits of your port.

Vncviewer.png

FastX Method

FastX offers a potentially smoother experience compared to VNC, especially with multiple concurrent users.

  • Download the FastX client and:
    • Start FastX.
    • Click '+' to establish a new connection.
    • Provide the Connection Name, host (squiggles.rcc.mcw.edu), and your RCC username.
    • Start a session by clicking '+' and using the command /etc/X11/xinit/xinitrc.

FastX config.png

Troubleshooting

  • VNC Black Screen: If you see a black screen after logging into VNC, make sure to deactivate Anaconda Python first. Use the command: conda deactivate.
  • Persistent VNC Problems: Consider switching to the FastX method.
  • Terminating a VNC session: Use vncserver -kill :xx/ in terminal. For manual termination:
rm -f /tmp/.Xxx-lock
rm -f /tmp/.X11-unix/Xxx
  • Identifying Active Users: Use the command ls -l /tmp/.X11-unix.
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