FAQs: Access

This webpage answers your queries related to accessing HPC System.

Who is eligible to use the cluster?

Only Case faculty and their designates are eligible to use the cluster. 

How do I get an account on the cluster?

We use our homegrown Account Management system that we call AMARA.

To get an account, AMARA online form should be filled out by a Case faculty member by using their Case SSO password and Duo authentication to log in. Faculty can add/delete users through the same link. If you are unable to access it, for the membership, PI can send email with the following info to hpc-supportATcase.edu

Full Name:

Alternate email (abc123@case.edu format):

Dept:

Phone:

Software to be used in the HPC:

Research funding:

Research description:

caseid:

How do I add a faculty member on my account for collaboration purpose?

Each faculty has to apply for HPC membership by filling in the AMARA online form. This will be his/her primary account. They can then send email to hpc-supportATcase.edu to be added as a secondary group under that faculty. The easy option would be to share specific directories.

How do I login to the cluster?

Using Terminal, open a  shell and at the prompt, type:

ssh -X <caseID>@pioneer.case.edu

For an example, if you are connecting to the Pioneer cluster and abc123 is your caseID, then type: ssh -X abc123@pioneer.case.edu. Here, "abc123" should be replaced by your CWRU network ID.  When prompted for a password, give your CWRU network password (SSO) for authentication. Please refer to  User Guide. 

When using Putty, use pioneer.case.edu as the connected server and enter your SSO credential on the prompt.

Can I access cluster via my Smart Phone?

Yes. The apps may be different for different smart phones. On an iPhone, one option is to download ServerAuditor (ssh client) and FortiClient for VPN and configure the settings. Opening OnDemand via the web is also another possibility.

What are the preferred browsers for Accessing OnDemand, Canvas, Echo360, and Zoom?

We do not recommend using Edge or Safari browsers, as they are designed primarily to work with the software manufacturers Microsoft and Apple products. Not for generic Internet content as Chrome and Firefox are maintained. But those who prefer Edge and Safari browsers need to make specific adjustments to make them compatible with OnDemand, Canvas, Echo360, and Zoom. Safari recommended Browser configuration - https://help.echo360.com/hc/en-us/articles/360035038992

Also - https://help.echo360.com/hc/en-us/articles/360035408871-Recommended-Browsers

Do I need to setup anything to run jobs?

You need to prepare your input files, scheduler script, and ensure that the executable is installed before submitting the "sbatch" command. 

How do I change my cluster/Case SSO password?

Please use the CWRU's password reset/change webpage to change your password. 

How do I get the SSH and secure FTP client software?

They can easily be downloaded from the respective websites using the keywords "SSH" and "FTP". 

How do I run graphical software/application in the cluster?

There are different ways explained in Graphical Access.

Where do I get the VPN client software?

  Please use CWRU's vpn site https://vpnsetup.case.edu

Duo Security and two factor authentication

Two-factor authentication is an enhanced security method requiring a second means to authenticate identity and eligibility to use a network resource. Please review the information at the link that follows for details. Duo Security is the method selected by Case to implement two-factor authentication. This is required to make use of the VPN client for off-campus access to the Case network.

  Duo Security: Two-factor authentication at Case

I do not have CaseID. Can I still get HPC Account?

No. You need to have CaseID to get HPC Account. If you have external collaborators, request an affiliated account via https://case.edu/utech/help/knowledge-base/affiliate-network-id. 

I am leaving CWRU. Can I still use HPC?

As long as you have an active CaseID, you can use HPC. If you no longer have the active ID, you can be added as a CWRU affiliate by a sponsor, typically your PI.

How do I know what Software are installed in HPC?

To get more information on Software and how to use them please refer to Software Guide.

How to use the licensed Software?

• • If the Software available in HPC is the licensed one (see Installed Software), you need to explicitly request for it via email 

  • To maintain the licensed software for you, you would need to contact the vendor and find out about the software and its feasibility on the HPC (license model and control). We would ask that your PI would get the HPC membership.

As a PI, I want to have full access to my group files

By default the files have 750 permission (search with keyword Linux permissions for details). Please contact us at hpc-supportATcase.edu if you have specific permission need.