What is a Compute Server?
Purpose: Shares vast amounts of computing resources, especially CPU and random-access memory, over a network.
Client: Any computer program that needs more CPU power and RAM than a personal computer can probably afford. The client must be a networked computer; otherwise, there would be no client-server model.
Why Use R-Studio Desktop vs. Workbench / Server?
R-Studio Desktop is an R IDE that works with the version of R you have installed on your local Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux workstation. R-Studio Desktop is a standalone desktop application that in no way requires R-Studio Workbench or RStudio Server.
R-Studio Workbench and R-Studio Server are Linux server applications that provide a web-browser-based interface to the version of R running on the server. You may want R-Studio Workbench or RStudio Server to:
- Access larger CPU and memory footprints
- Leverage compute resources more efficiently
- Control access to data in a centralized manner
- Ensure the R package versions used are standardized
- R-Studio Workbench provides Enterprise-ready tools like authentication, high-availability and load balancing, multiple versions of R, multiple R sessions per user, security features, and more.
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Example: Connecting to Taylor (Connection Methods)
Like channels on a walkie talkie, TCP / UDP ports are different 'channels' that computers can talk to each other over the internet. There are general standards / guidelines for which applications / services should use which ports.
SFTP - taylor.bren.ucsb.edu (file transfer protocol that works over SSH - default port 22)
SSH - taylor.bren.ucsb.edu (secure shell - default port 22)
Bren Credentials
Username: Bren Desktop Account Username (same as ucsbnetid)
Password: Bren Desktop Account Password (specific to Bren, assigned during orientation, cannot be changed)
VPN not required if on UCSB networks (NCEAS, Bren, Campus Housing, etc.)
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HTTPS Method
- Connect to campus VPN.
- Navigate to https://taylor.bren.ucsb.edu
- Log in with Bren credentials.
- You can start an RStudio, JupyterLab or Jupyter Notebooks session by selecting "New Session"
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SFTP Method
- Download CyberDuck (sftp client).
- Connect to campus VPN.
- Open up CyberDuck
- Select "Open Connection"
- Choose "SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol)" and input the following.
Note: Use your Bren credentials for username/password.
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SSH Method
- Connect to campus VPN.
- Open up Terminal (mac) or GitBash (windows)
- Run the following command: ssh (username)@taylor.bren.ucsb.edu
- Type in your Bren password
- You'll know if you connected successfully if the last line says "(username)@taylor" like the picture below.
For your reference:
VIDEO GUIDE: