Introduction to Open OnDemand

Open OnDemand (OOD) is an innovative web-based interface that provides convenient access to NC State\'s Office of Information Technology High-Performance Computing (HPC) resources. This platform offers several key functionalities that enhance user experience and accessibility:

  • Users can seamlessly connect to the Hazel cluster through a web browser, eliminating the need for local installations or configurations.
  • The platform allows users affiliated with NC State partner institutions to access the Hazel cluster using the UNC Identity Federation system.
  • OOD also supports accessing graphical user interface (GUI) applications, including RStudio, directly through a web browser.
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Browser Requirements

To ensure optimal performance while using Open OnDemand, it is recommended that users utilize the latest versions of one of the following web browsers:

  • Google Chrome: Notably, this browser provides the best level of support for Open OnDemand. The shell application operates with the hterm.js library, which is officially backed by Google.
  • Mozilla Firefox: This browser offers good compatibility, but users should ensure they are running an updated version.
  • Microsoft Edge: Similar to Firefox, it is crucial for users to employ the most recent version for optimal performance.
Warning: Issues have been reported when using Safari with some applications within Open OnDemand. Users may experience problems with WebSockets and Basic Authentication in this browser, potentially leading to a frustrating experience.
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Accessing Open OnDemand

Connecting to Open OnDemand

  1. Open your preferred web browser and navigate to https://servood2.hpc.ncsu.edu.
  2. If you have not yet saved a campus, you will be prompted to select an identity provider from a presented menu.
    Select Login
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Login Process

After complete the login process, the Dashboard should appear:
In the event you need to change your saved campus information, clearing your cookies for Open OnDemand may be necessary. Below are links to browser-specific instructions for clearing cookies:

After clearing cookies, log in with your campus credentials. The process may vary based on your specific campus requirements.

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Applications

File Explorer

The File Explorer feature allows users to browse and manage files stored on NC State\'s HPC system effectively. The following steps outline how to use it:

  1. Access the File Explorer function by clicking on the "Files" menu. Files A familiar interface will be displayed.
  2. Choose a location to browse, typically your Home directory. This will launch a file browsing interface. File Manager
  3. Within the File Explorer:
    • To navigate directories, simply click on the desired directory.
    • To return to the previous directory, use the up arrow option.
    • The current directory path is displayed at the top, enabling easy navigation.
    • The Change Directory button allows users to directly access a specific directory.
  4. Create new files and directories using the New File and New Directory buttons as needed.
  5. To edit a file, select it and click the Edit button in the menu. Edit Menu After making changes, be sure to save your work.
  6. File uploads can be easily accomplished via the Upload button, which allows for dragging and dropping files or browsing for files to upload. Users can also upload directories.
Warning: Note that the maximum upload size for files is limited to 10.7 GB.

To download files or directories, use the checkboxes to select the desired items, followed by the Download button. A dialog box will prompt you to select a location on your local system for saving the items.

Warning: The maximum size for files available for download is also 10.7 GB.
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Job Management

Users can easily check and manage their jobs through the Jobs menu: Job Management The functionalities include:

  1. The Active Jobs option displays jobs that have been submitted. Users can manage their jobs based on their needs, displaying either their own jobs or all jobs in progress.
  2. The Job Composer facilitates the creation of simple jobs, allowing users to configure and submit computational tasks based on their specific requirements.
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Shell Access

To access the Linux command line, users should click on the Clusters menu, followed by selecting the "NCSU Hazel Cluster Shell Access" option. This action will present an interface for interacting with the system using a command-line interface. Shell Access

Warning: Please remember that you are accessing a login node, which means while editing and compilation tasks are permissible, all other computation tasks should utilize an interactive compute session or a batch script to ensure proper resource management.
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Read this documentation for using RStudio in Open OnDemand


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