PRIMES (PRogram for Interdisciplinary Mathematics, Ecology, and Statistics) is designed to address the challenges of studying complex ecological systems. Modern studies of ecological systems incorporate an extremely wide range of scientific and quantitative techniques, from the collection of data in the field, to the modeling of complex systems, to the application of advanced computational techniques. Consequently, quantitative ecology has become an inherently multi-disciplinary activity. Read More

Access to PRIMES Compute Servers

v. 0.01, Nov 30, 2005

Q: What are the PRIMES compute servers?

The compute servers are two linux dual processor computers that are available for ssh remote login as well as X access from the PCs. Both servers are dual-Xeon 3.0 ghz machines with 4 gig of memory. They have various kinds of software, including Matlab and R, installed.

They are pepper.math.colostate.edu and spectar.math.colostate.edu.

Q: What are the rules for using the compute servers?

All of the standard rules for using mathematics and statistics computers are enforced. You can find the latest set of rules in the PRIMES FAQ.

The compute servers are a couple of additional rules:

• We allow one "niced" job per user per machine to run. There are no limits on the length of time a job may run.
• Patches and reboots take priority over computations. If Zube sends out a warning about a patch, the users have the responsibility to stop their jobs and save the results.
• If a user receives a warning about overuse, then the user is expected to respond immediately. If the problem continues, the user will lose their account permanently.
• PRIMES use has priority. Users may be asked to restrict general use for isolated, specific periods of time. Not heeding these requests will mean losing the account permanently.

Q: Who maintains the compute servers?

Don Estep is the contact point for access to the compute servers. He grants access, denies access, and removes access.

Requests for software, access, and questions about use should be directed to Don Estep .

Zube maintains all of the PRIMES computing facilities.

Q: How do I get access to the compute servers?

PRIMES students receive access to the compute servers automatically when they get an account on the PRIMES computers.
 
General users may apply for access to the PRIMES compute servers on a semester by semester basis. Requirements for access include:
 
    * An affiliation with Colorado State University and a CSU email account
    * Familiarity with unix, including remote execution of jobs.
 
Prospective users should complete the application here and send it to Don Estep.
 
Users that want to maintain access must submit an updated application at the beginning of each semester.