Logging In

Interaction with the Office of Research Computing systems is typically performed with command line tools. The command line tools can be run via a command prompt, also known as a shell. SSH is used to establish a secure shell.

Users should log in using ssh to the hostname ssh.rc.byu.edu

Programs can be tested from the interactive nodes, but most programs left running for more than an hour will be killed automatically (exceptions include scp, tar, wget, and similar programs). Read the Slurm documentation when you are ready to run your jobs.

Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication is required of all users before accessing the system.

Windows

Beginning with newer versions of Windows 10, you can use OpenSSH to SSH from PowerShell. If it's not already installed, you can add the OpenSSH Client optional feature. For more information, see Microsoft's documentation, especially the section about installing OpenSSH client.

With that in place, you can then run the following to connect:

$ ssh username@ssh.rc.byu.edu # replace 'username' with your username

Older versions of Windows do not have SSH capabilities built-in. Download PuTTY or Bitvise Tunnelier. Enter hostname: ssh.rc.byu.edu. Click connect and enter your username and password when prompted. Once connected you can run commands.

Linux / Mac OS

Linux and Mac OS have SSH built-in. The terminal can usually be found in one of three locations: Applications -> Utilities, Applications -> Accessories, or Applications -> System Tools. This opens a command prompt on the local system; you can now connect to ssh.rc.byu.edu. Run

$ ssh username@ssh.rc.byu.edu # replace 'username' with your username

Common Command Line Tools

If you're new to using a shell, take the time to go through our Linux tutorial.

SSH Multiplexing

SSH multiplexing can make logging in multiple times much easier. See SSH Multiplexing for more information.

Open OnDemand

Those less familiar with the command line might find working with Open OnDemand to be an easier experience.