Logging in to the system

From within the University (intranet)

Within the internal net of the University, access to the systems is granted via ssh. Use your favorite ssh client like OpenSSH, PuTTY, etc. For example, on a UNIX/Linux system, users of CARL may type on the command line (replace "abcd1234" with your own account):

ssh abcd1234@carl.hpc.uni-oldenburg.de

Similarly, users of EDDY login by typing:

ssh abcd1234@eddy.hpc.uni-oldenburg.de

Use "ssh -X" for X11 forwarding (i.e., if you need to export the graphical display to your local system if you need to use software modules with graphical user interfaces (GUI)).

For security reasons, access to the HPC systems is denied from certain subnets. In particular, you cannot login from the WLAN of the University (eduroam) or from "public" PCs (located, e.g., in Libraries, PC rooms, or at other places).

From outside the University (internet)

First, you have to establish a VPN tunnel to the University intranet. After that, you can login to CARL or EDDY via ssh as described above. See the following instructions on how to setup the VPN tunnel:

Windows

Download the Cisco-VPN-Client from this web site and install it following the instructions of the IT Services.

For the HPC systems, a separate VPN tunnel has been installed, which is only accessible for users of CARL and EDDY. Therefore, you have to configure a new VPN connection using this zipped configuration file. Again, refer to the instructions of the IT services on how to import the PCF-file.

When you start a VPN tunnel by pressing connect, you will be prompted for your university user name and password.

Linux

Before you can setup the VPN connection, you may have to install some additional packages. This can be done e.g. with the command:

sudo apt-get install network-manager-vpnc network-manager-vpnc-gnome

After installing these packages and their dependencies, you will have to restart the network manager. You can do that with the command:

service network-manager restart 

Now you can create the needed VPN connection. Navigate to the system settings and open the network connections menu. You will find a small "Add"-button somewhere. Click on it and choose "VPN" and the newly installed package "Cisco Compatible VPN (vpnc)". Confirm the selection with a click on "Create". You will need to fill in the following informations:

• Connection name: "VPN Uni Oldenburg" (or any other name of your choice)
• Gateway: vpn.uni-oldenburg.de
• User name: your username ("abcd1234")
• User password: your password
• Group name: tunnel
• Group password: tunnel

Click on "Save" if you have entered every needed information.

Now you are ready to use the VPN connection: simply click on the network symbol in your tray bar and choose "VPN connections". You will find the option "VPN Uni Oldenburg" (or an other name you chose"). After clicking on it, the connection will be established.