OnDemand HPC Desktop¶
On this Page
- Key information when launching HPC Desktop
- What the 2 different types of Desktops look like
- Features available on each Desktop
- Feature available on both Desktops
Launching HPC Desktop¶
When launching the desktop you can customise the computational components to suit your needs by clicking Advanced options. You can choose between 2 desktop environments XFCE and GNOME. If you have GPU intensive tasks select the "Request GPU" button.
When adjusting other components like cores and memory please refer to the guidelines or compare the job you want to run to previous jobs you have run.
Increasing compression will increase input lag but is better for low bandwidth connections. For image quality you want to decrease if you have a low bandwidth.
HPC Desktop Overview¶
This is what the HPC Desktop Overviews look like there are 2 versions XFCE and GNOME.
Both Desktops - Sidebar¶
The arrow to the left of the desktop opens the side bar.
Extra Buttons¶
The Extra Buttons allow you to 'hold' down one or multiple buttons while using the desktop.
Clipboard¶
Clipboard allows you to see what you last copied.
Fullscreen¶
Puts the HPC Desktop into fullscreen mode.
Settings¶
Settings allows you to adjust settings for connecting to the HPC Desktop.
Disconnect¶
Disconnects you from the HPC Desktop, you may need to relaunch the Desktop from Open OnDemand if you click this option.
HPC Desktop Features¶
Taskbar¶
Where you can switch between open application i.e. Firefox and Terminal. The grey boxes on the left allow you to switch between desktops.
The applications button on the left opens to access different applications and settings available on the HPC Desktop.
Terminal¶
The terminal is used to run commands for various tasks. For example transferring data on to and from the cluster using scp or rsync.
File Manager¶
File manager allows you to see what files are stored on the HPC Desktop and interact with them for example copying, pasting or renaming.
Web Browser¶
Web browser is a way to access the internet and search the web from the HPC Desktop.
Application Finder¶
Application Finder helps you search applications available on your HPC Desktop.
Toolbar to Taskview¶
To access the toolbar click the activites button in the top left corner.
That will open the below screen where you can manage your desktops and access your toolbar.
Web Browser - Firefox¶
Firefox is the web browser available on GNOME. Web browser is a way to access the internet and search the web from the HPC Desktop.
File Manager¶
Files is the file manager on GNOME that allows you to see what files are stored on the HPC Desktop and interact with them for example copying, pasting or renaming.
Software¶
Software allows you to see what software is installed, can be installed and needs updating.
Help¶
Documentation to help you find and use features of the GNOME desktop.
Terminal¶
The terminal is used to run commands for various tasks. For example transferring data on to and from the cluster using scp or rsync.
Show Applications¶
Show Applications displays the applications on the Desktop i.e. calculator or application finder.
