# Getting Started

# DCSR? Kesako?

The full name is the Division de Calcul et Soutien à la Recherche / Computing and Research Support unit

The mission of the DCSR is to supply the University of Lausanne with compute and storage capabilities for all areas of research.

As well as managing compute and storage systems we also provide user support:

- Courses on related subjects
- Technical support (compilation, software installation, data movement)
- Project support (HPC, big data, machine learning, web, databases, ...)

The official DCSR homepage is at: [https://www.unil.ch/ci/dcsr-en](https://www.unil.ch/ci/dcsr-en)

# How to access the clusters

The DCSR maintains a general purpose cluster (Curnagl) which is described [here](https://wiki.unil.ch/ci/books/high-performance-computing-hpc/chapter/infrastructure-and-resources "DCSR Clusters and storage"). Researchers needing to process sensitive data must use the air gapped cluster [Urblauna](https://wiki.unil.ch/ci/books/high-performance-computing-hpc/page/urblauna) which has replaced [Jura](https://wiki.unil.ch/ci/books/high-performance-computing-hpc/page/jura).

There are several requirements to be able to connect to the clusters:

1. Have a UNIL account
2. To be part of a PI project
3. To be on the UNIL or CHUV network (either physically or using the [UNIL VPN](https://www.unil.ch/ci/fr/home/menuinst/catalogue-de-services/reseau-et-telephonie/acces-hors-campus-vpn/documentation.html) if you work remotely)
4. To have a SSH client

#### Step 0: Have a UNIL account

This applies to members of the CHUV community as well as for external collaborators

See [the documentation](https://wiki.unil.ch/ci/books/high-performance-computing-hpc/page/providing-access-to-external-collaborators) for how to get a UNIL account

CHUV users should also consult [https://www.unil.ch/ci/ui/ext-hosp](https://www.unil.ch/ci/ui/ext-hosp) for more information.

#### Step 1: Be part of a PI project

To access the clusters, your PI will first need to request resources via: [https://requests.dcsr.unil.ch](https://requests.dcsr.unil.ch). Then the PI must add you as a member of one of his project. Within 24 hours your access should be granted.

#### Step 2: Activate the UNIL VPN

Unless you are physically within the UNIL network you need to activate the UNIL VPN (Crypto). Documentation to install and run it can be found [here](https://www.unil.ch/ci/fr/home/menuinst/catalogue-de-services/reseau-et-telephonie/acces-hors-campus-vpn/documentation.html).

#### Step 3: Open a SSH client

On Linux and Mac environments, a SSH client should be available by default. You simply need to open a terminal.

Windows users can either use PowerShell if they are on Windows 10, or install a third party client such as [PuTTy](https://www.putty.org/) or [MobaXterm](https://mobaxterm.mobatek.net/).

#### Step 4: Log into the cluster

**Curnagl**

`ssh -X <username>@curnagl.dcsr.unil.ch`

where `<username>` is your UNIL username name. You will have to enter your UNIL password.

**Note**: we strongly recommend you to establish SSH keys to connect to the clusters and to protect your SSH keys with a passphrase.

More details are available regarding the different clients in [this documentation](https://wiki.unil.ch/ci/books/high-performance-computing-hpc/page/ssh-connection-to-dcsr-cluster).

**Urblauna**

See the [Urblauna documentation](https://wiki.unil.ch/ci/books/high-performance-computing-hpc/page/urblauna-access-and-data-transfer)

# I'm a PI and would like to use the clusters - what do I do?

It's easy! Please fill in the request form at [https://requests.dcsr.unil.ch](https://requests.dcsr.unil.ch) and we'll get back in touch with you as soon as possible.