SSH Access

Note: Access to our systems is likely to change in coming months, as we are extending and re-structuring our resources. Please revisit this page occasionally to stay abreast with any changes.

The standard way to access our resources is though SSH.

For security reasons, we are currently operating only one login node that is accessible from the outside through ssh. The IP address for this (Solaris) login node is

sfnode0.hpcvl.queensu.ca = 130.15.59.64

Make sure X-forwarding is enabled. This is necessary if you want to use any software with a graphics component. You will need your username and your system access password to get in.

Other nodes, particularly the Linux login/workup node swlogin1 need to be accessed from sflogin0 through ssh. This requires to type the password again:

hpcXXXX@sflogin0$ ssh swlogin1
hpcXXXX@swlogin1's password:
hpcXXXX@swlogin1$

For details about using SSH, please check our SSH FAQ.

Secure Grid Portal

Access through the Portal

Note: Currently, portal access to our resources is provided through Secure Global Desktop. This may change in the near future. Please revisit this page to stay informed about any changes.

The systems can be accessed from a Java enabled web browser:

1. Visit https://portal.hpcvl.queensu.ca/ directly or press the Portal Login button on our Web Page.
2. Login using your Username and Password (same as for ssh).
3. You will be brought to the Secure Global Desktop.
4. To use any of the applications appearing on the left-hand side, such xterm (swlogin1), click on it.
5. If the application is used for the first time, you will be prompted to provide username and password again. The portal will remember it next time. If the information changes, it will prompt you again.

Requirements for Portal

It is crucial to have a recent version of Java installed on your system. This includes a "Java Plugin" for the web browser. Check your Java at this Test Page. If you encounter portal issues they are almost invariably related to Java. Please contact us if you cannot get it to work.

Operating Systems

• Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10
• Linux Various Distributions
• Mac (Apple) OS-X > 10.5

Browsers

• Microsoft Internet Explorer
• Mozilla Firefox
• Apple Safari
• Google Chrome does not work (discontinuation of NPAPI support).

Troubleshooting

The current portal is Java based. Most problems are due to missing or mis-configured Java plugins for your browser. Please see http://java.com/en/download/manual.jsp for detailed instructions for installing and configuring Java on your machine.