Slide 1: .

Introduction to CLASSE-IT

• CLASSE-IT team and computing environment
• General philosophy
• User services

Slide 2: Who We Are

Our team: 10 full time staff + many who contribute at the 10-50% level.

Slide 3: What We Do

Many different uses of computing supported with one unified environment.

Slide 4: CLASSE-IT Infrastructure

Slide 5: Our Philosophy

• We have a large and complex computing environment, limited resources, security and audit concerns, Cornell and funding agency requirements.
• Therefore,
  • All CLASSE computers/software/networks are centrally managed.
    • Ensures compliance with Cornell policies, makes overall support manageable.
  • We provide full support only for CLASSE computers and services.
    • Not personal computers or third-party services (e.g. email, calendar, wi-fi).
  • We centralize services wherever possible:
    • File storage, software, networked Linux systems, wiki.
    • Similar model to other large facilities (Fermilab, SLAC, CERN, Brookhaven).

• But there is flexibility within this structure:
  • We know how to support a diverse and constantly changing research program.
  • Communication is essential -- please discuss your needs with us!
  • We can be your collaborators.

Slide 6: Where To Find Help

• CLASSE-IT or outside support?: see GettingSupport

• To reach CLASSE-IT:
  • Submitting service requests gives the best results.
    • We work as a team, and tickets keep everyone informed.
    • We get hundreds of emails/day. With a ticket, your request doesn't get lost.
      • Please don't report problems to individual team members.
    • Help us help you: give us as many details as possible.
      • Tell us what you need and why -- the context is key.
    • Let us know if your ticket is urgent. Otherwise, default max response time: 1-2 business days.
  • In case of emergency:
    • Page CLASSE-IT on the beamphone OR consult our CallList.
    • Also submit a service request (if possible).
    • Examples of emergencies: stoppage in CESR operations or CHESS data collection, paper submission deadline, broken projector for visiting speaker.
  • Regular business hours:
    • Monday - Friday: approx. 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM (short daily job meeting at 9:30 AM).
    • Exception: weekly staff meeting Thursdays 10:00 AM - noon.

• Documentation: CLASSE-IT homepage, weekly newsletter, videos

Slide 7: Overview of User Services

• Much more information at our homepage.
  • Useful if you know what you're looking for. When in doubt, please submit a service request.
• Everything is designed to work together, on Linux and Windows and Mac, using one CLASSE account per user.

Slide 8: Some More Details On...

• CLASSE-Managed Systems
• CLASSE Computer Accounts
• Central Data Storage
  • Confidential Data
• Collaboration Tools
• Installing Software
• Remote Login
• Linux and Compute Farm

Slide 9: CLASSE-Managed Systems

• CLASSE computers are designed to be:
  • Interchangeable:
    • You can log into any CLASSE system. Consistent user experience across all systems.
  • Safe:
    • Compliant with Cornell policies on security updates, antivirus software, locking screensavers, etc.
  • Centrally connected:
    • Easy access to central storage (a.k.a. samba), Compute Farm, WinAPP
• CLASSE computers are not personal computers and not like other computers at Cornell.
  • We think of them as portals to a centralized pool of computing resources.

• Things to know: SystemExpectations
  • CLASSE-IT is responsible for all computers purchased through CLASSE.
  • Administrative access is restricted.
  • Windows/Linux: OS and software updates installed every Tuesday (early AM).
    • Your computer may reboot multiple times.
    • Maintains compliance with Cornell University policies.
  • We can usually service your computer from afar, by logging in remotely.

Slide 10: CLASSE Computer Accounts

• One username/password for all CLASSE computers (Linux, Windows, Mac), web pages, VPN, etc.
  • CLASSE username = Cornell NetID (if you have one)
  • CLASSE password must be different from your Cornell NetID password
  • More info at ClasseAuthentication.

• Change or reset your password:
  • Web interface (requires access to your email)
  • Other methods

• Exceptions:
  • Some CHESS systems, CHESS Allstaff, legacy operating systems, Replicon

Slide 11: Central Data Storage

• Very important: Do not store files locally!
  • Local disks on CLASSE computers are not backed up.

• Instead, use central storage (a.k.a. samba):
  • Enterprise-class redundant disk arrays, capacity almost 1 PetaByte (almost 1,000,000 GigaBytes).
  • Backed up on a regular basis. If you delete a file accidentally, ask for a restore.
  • Home directory (1 GB) and personal user directory (2 GB) should be used sparingly.
  • Most files should go in the space allocated to your project:
    • List of existing filesystems.
  • Can be accessed from any CLASSE system: Windows, Linux, or Mac.
  • On a non-CLASSE network, access samba through our Virtual Private Network (VPN).

• Instructions (with video).

Slide 12: Confidential Data

• Cornell defines "confidential (level 1) data" as:
  • Social Security number
  • Credit card number
  • Driver's license number
  • Bank account number
  • Protected health information, as defined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

• By CLASSE policy, confidential data is not allowed on any CLASSE computer.
  • If your job requires you to collect confidential data, please contact the CLASSE Executive/HR Staff Assistant.

Slide 13: Collaboration Tools

• CLASSE services:
  • CLASSE Wiki for documentation
  • Central storage (a.k.a. samba)
  • XMPP chat service
  • Skype: self-service download, not fully supported

• Cornell services:
  • Cornell Box: good for collaboration, not for long-term storage (no backups)
  • Zoom for videoconferencing

Slide 14: Installing Software

• If you have a software need, please submit a service request to discuss.
  • We try to avoid proliferation of software, because we are responsible for long-term maintenance and license compliance.
  • We might have a similar package already installed, or a different way of doing what you want.
  • Cornell also requires a security review for new software purchases.
  • Please review our SoftwareInstallPolicy.

• Many common packages available centrally on Linux:
  • Drastically reduces maintenance overhead.
  • Matlab, Mathematica, ImageJ, Opera, ANSYS, etc.
  • Code development in C, C++, Fortran, Python, etc.
  • Easily accessible from Windows, use central storage for files
• Windows and Mac software:
  • Some packages are installed on a central Windows server (WinAPP).
• Some software available as self-service downloads (wrapped with Cameyo).

Slide 15: Remote Login

• For remote access to a CLASSE Linux computer:
  • From Linux or Mac: SSH or X2Go
  • From Windows: PuTTY or Xming or X2Go or CLASSE_GRID.exe script.
  • Works both on and off CLASSE networks.

• For remote access to a CLASSE Windows desktop/laptop computer, please submit a service request.

• CLASSE Virtual Private Network (VPN)
  • Access CLASSE services from non-CLASSE networks (eduroam/RedRover):
    • Samba, printers, WinAPP
  • Not needed for SSH, X2Go, wiki
  • Video instructions

• For large file transfers (100+ GB): Globus

• See also RemoteAccess for more information.

Slide 16: Linux and Compute Farm

• Linux is the preferred operating system at CLASSE:
  • Our core infrastructure servers are running Linux.
  • Standard for advanced scientific computing.
  • Centralized access to software, computing resources, and storage.
  • Code development: C/C++, Java, Python, Fortran, Perl, shell scripting
  • General purpose login node: lnx201.classe.cornell.edu
    • This is a shared resource. Please limit its use to brief interactive jobs.
  • Getting started: LinuxIntroduction
    • Also, Linux for beginners: https://www.cac.cornell.edu/VW/Linux/

• CPU-intensive jobs should use the CLASSE Compute Farm
  • 60 nodes and growing, can run hundreds of jobs in parallel.
  • Supports interactive and batch jobs.
  • Queueing system guarantees equitable distribution of resources.

Slide 17: Getting Around (Linux)

Slide 18: Getting Around (Windows)

Slide 19: Getting Around (Non-CLASSE)

Slide 20: Summary

• CLASSE-IT is very complex because of the many projects and communities it serves.
  • Any single user or any single project only sees the tip of the iceberg.
  • Our policies and practices are aimed at minimizing the degree of complexity in the system, while fulfilling the lab's research and business needs.

• We see our computing environment as a giant chessboard: each piece affects every other piece.

• Our overarching concern is to enable the research and business goals of CLASSE, and always in a sustainable fashion.

Please share your needs and feedback with us!