The Research Computing Center (RCC) provides access to high-end computing, data storage, and visualization resources, as well as a wide variety of software packages, workshops, and one-on-one consulting by computational scientists, to the University of Chicago community.

The RCC Midway high-powered computing (HPC) ecosystem is comprised of a variety of cross-mounted systems that include the Midway2 (Shared Notes, DaLI, GM4, and many more), Midway3 (Shared Notes, MidwaySSD, Beagle3, and many more); the MidwayR for restricted or sensitive data in the Secure Data Enclave; and the Skyway platform for seamlessly using commercial cloud resources such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Computing Services (GCS). This hands-on workshop will introduce the computational resources and services available at the RCC.

What we'll cover:

Learners will understand the RCC’s different programs and services, including grant support, cluster partnership program (CPP), consultant partnership program (ConPP), and affiliate program with Argonne.
- The RCC’s training and consulting options

Learners will be able to understand the difference between Midway 2 and 3 compute and storage ecosystems.

Learners will be able to transfer files within Midway ecosystems and from/to external locations (personal PCs, lab computers, and other cloud and external resources) (SFTP, SCP, Globus, SMB)
- File transfer to and from Midway 2 and 3 and within Midway 2 and 3 ecosystems
- Introducing the secure data enclave (SDE) for sensitive research data

Learners will be able to run jobs interactively and in the queue using the SLURM job scheduler.
- Creating and running jobs using SLURM
- The Skyway platform for using cloud resources

Learners will be able to understand the various policies regarding computing resource usage (QoS) and storage (quota)
- Understanding the allocation (service units or SUs) of accounts

What you'll take home from the workshop:

Upon completion of the workshop, participants will:

Distinguish between Midway 2 and 3 computing and storage ecosystems.
Execute Linux commands proficiently on Midway clusters.
Manage stored data effectively on Midway clusters.
Run jobs interactively and through batch scripts.
Understand policies governing computing resource usage (QoS) and storage quotas.
Perform file transfers within Midway ecosystems and with external locations.
Gain insight into the RCC's programs and services, including grant support, Cluster Partnership Program (CPP), Consultant Partnership Program (ConPP), and the Affiliate Program with Argonne.

Level: Introductory

Duration: 2 hours

Prerequisites: None

Introduction to the Research Computing Center