Getting Started with SDSC Resources

Answers to many of the questions that may arise about obtaining access to and using compute and data resources are available here in the User Support section of the SDSC Web site. To help you find information quickly, we've brought together links to information that you need to know to get started.

What Kind of SDSC User Are You?

I am a researcher not based at University of California, and I need to select a compute platform or data storage solution and get an allocation at SDSC.
I am a University of California researcher, and I'd like computing time or data storage at SDSC --> Go right to AAP.
I already have my data or compute allocation; what do I do next?
I'm new to high performance computing (HPC) or supercomputer centers and I want to learn more.
I'm a student or teacher and want to learn more about educational programs and internships.

Getting an allocation at SDSC

SDSC is a founding resource provider (RP) site of the TeraGrid. Resources available through the TeraGrid program are allocated through a centralized system called POPS, where researchers across the nation can submit their resource requests. The following links will assist you in the process of writing and submitting a proposal. If you would like to test your codes or explore one of our resources, apply for a Startup Allocation. If you need an allocation specifically for classroom or training use, request an Education Allocation.

User Support—Allocations:

Learn about how to choose a resource, eligibility requirements, and how to submit a rquest for a Startup, Education, or a larger, Research allocation for compute time or data storage space.

Data Central:

SDSC has a wide range of solutions available for long- and short-term storage. Learn how to write and submit a request for storage and publication of data collections on tape, disk, or database as well as about data management services available through SDSC.

User Support—Resources:

Consult the User Guides for each platform to learn about the capabilities and specifications of each resource.

TeraGrid Resources Database—SDSC

Compare specs for the SDSC compute resources (TeraGrid site); this site links to all kinds of information about our resources and other RP sites.

Software Applications:

View the available computational, data analysis, and visualization software available on our compute platforms.

Starting to use my allocation

Once you have your allocation and have received your packet with necessary passwords, you'll need to add any users not included in the original proposal, log on to your resource, create and compile your code, test it, and start running jobs.

User Responsibilities:

Before you start, familiarize yourself with user responsibilities. and recommended security practices. Find information about how to change your contact information, and the SDSC User Responsibility Form.

Adding New Users:

Use the User Authorization form to add (or remove) students and coworkers to your allocation. Each will be sent a user packet with their login information. (You will be able to monitor their usage with tools found under Managing Your Account.

Managing Your Account:

Learn about the accounting system, how to track your usage of time on the resources, how charges are calculated, and general practices and policies.

Using Your Account:

Overview of information on backing up your data, logging in, and archiving your files.

User Guides:

Specific information on logging in to your chosen resource and compiling, running, and optimizing your code is available in the user guide for each resource. Each guide contains its own "Getting Started Guide" to get you up and running fast.

User Tools:

A wide range of tools is available throughout the SDSC User Support site. This section brings together some of the handiest forms and command line tools for managing your allocation and for managing and optimizing your code.

Getting Help:

SDSC Consultants are available on all non-holiday weekdays by phone, email, or Web form; operators are available on an emergency basis 24 x 7. Get contact information and learn what information to have handy when you call or write for the most expeditious service.

Introduction to High Performance Computing at SDSC

The San Diego Supercomputer Center provides computational and data services for many communities of scientists and engineers traditionally associated with high performance computing. To assist users from new, non-traditional communities, including the humanities, arts, and social sciences, and novice users from all fields, SDSC provides the following tools and services.

SDSC Training:

Throughout the year, SDSC sponsors several training opportunities for novice or for advanced users. See the upcoming and past workshops for opportunities and past presentations.

Using Secure Shell (SSH):

New to the command line? Get the basics on logging in securely using SSH.

SDSC Knowledge Base:

Database of commonly asked questions. (Coming soon)

SDSC Consulting (Help Desk):

Get help by email, phone, or Web form. Also see the SDSC User Knowledge Base.

Support for teachers and students

The SDSC Education Department is a service to assist K-12 teachers and students and undergraduate students and instructors learn more about the educational opportunities in the field of high performance computing as well as to find training and internship programs at SDSC. See the SDSC Education site for information.