Getting Started with CyberInfrastructure FAQ
This FAQ is designed for prospective and new users of Cyberinfrastructure. These quick answers will help get you started and point you in the direction of more detailed information elsewhere on the CIP Web site.
Who can use NSF CyberInfrastructure resources ?
A researcher or educator at a U.S. institution can apply for computing or data resources. Get more details on eligibility in the Allocation section.
What do I need to know to choose a resource ?
Before getting a CI compute or data allocation, define the type of programs you will be running, the amount of computing time or data space that you’ll need and if you’ll have special data needs. For computing resources, you need to specify your needs by answering questions like:
- Will I need large processor counts (e.g., > 512 processors)?
- Will my computations requiring large memory per node (>4GB)?
- Will I be running interactive jobs with large memory requirements (>4GB)
- Does my code scale well with only fine-grained parallelism with strict restriction on memory per node?
See the Resources section to compare hardware specifications.
How do I apply for computing time ?
Allocation requests are subject to a committee review process, which differs according to the size of your request. All CI allocation requests are reviewed centrally, independent of which CIP or TeraGrid resource that you are requesting. Development (expedited) allocations for smaller amounts of service units (SUs) are quicker to acquire with less documentation and are excellent for start up or educational accounts. Larger allocations require a full proposal. Both use the Partnership Online Proposal System (POPS) form to initiate the request process. Get details in the Allocations section of this site.
When can I start using my computing allocation?
- Development allocation requests are reviewed year-round; your proposal will be reviewed and processed, usually within two weeks.
- Larger allocations are reviewed on a quarterly schedule.
Once your proposal is accepted you’ll receive a packet via U.S. Mail with log in information you’ll need to start using your allocation. See the Allocations section for details.
How do I share my allocation?
Principle investigators can add colleagues to their allocations by requesting additional accounts. Depending on the site, you’ll need to know your project or grant number:
- NCSA: Add User Form
- SDSC: Add User Form (PDF)
- TeraGrid: Add User Form
- PSC: Add User Form
Where do I find the software I need?
See the Software Resources page of this site for a link to the CIP software database. This application will display a full listing of software on CIP and TeraGrid resources, grouped by scientific discipline, software title, organization, and hardware platform. Scientific and engineering applications, data analysis and visualization, mathematics and statistics, and systems and utilities programs are listed, among many others.
How do I store my data?
PIs with computing allocations automatically receive access to limited temporary and long-term storage. You will need to backup your data and take note of purge policies for scratch locations on disk.
Can I get more storage?
If your storage needs are large, or if you need to host databases or data collections, you will need a separate data allocation. See the Data Resources page for more information.
What relational databases can I use?
DB2, MySQL and Oracle are all available; See the Data Resources page for more information.
Can I use my allocation 24 x 7?
Users can log in to CIP and TeraGrid resources and submit jobs to queues at any time except when the machines are unavailable due to maintenance.
How can I find out the status of the machines and software?
A variety of methods for getting information about the status of resources is available. CIP and the TeraGrid post news to allocated users about a range of upcoming system and training events. Users can subscribe online to receive news announcements by e-mail when they are posted. Monitors of the systems are available to display real-time system status.
TeraGrid hardware and software monitors
How can I manage how much time my colleagues are using?
Each site has its own utility for managing usage. See the user guide of the respective resources to find the commands for viewing and managing time. On the TeraGrid, the tgusage command can be used to monitor usage.
Where do I get help?
Training workshops, help desks, online user guides and special consultation programs are available through CIP and the TeraGrid.
CIP Training and Support (Help desk, event calendar)
TeraGrid Help Desk (e-mail and telephone contact info)
NCSA Consulting Services (e-mail and phone contact info)
SDSC Consulting (user guides, online help form, telephone information)
Scientific Applications Collaborations (SDSC)
Strategic Applications Program (NCSA)
Advanced Support for TeraGrid Applications (ASTA)
How do I report a possible security incident?
If you think you have detected a security problem, telephone the help desk of the appropriate site immediately. To prevent creating security risks, choose strong passwords, change them often, store them securely, and of course, do not share passwords.
