MEDS Computing Server Guide

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.

https://support.rstudio.com/hc/en-us/articles/217799198-What-is-the-difference-between-RStudio-Desktop-and-RStudio-Server-

Computing servers that are available to MEDS students

MEDS students have access to two computing servers that have been configured for MEDS coursework: 

1. 1. taylor.bren.ucsb.edu
   2. tsosie.bren.ucsb.edu

The process of connecting to these servers is the same. Below you will find directions for connecting to Taylor, however you can apply the same concept to connecting to Tsosie. 

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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.

HTTPS - https://taylor.bren.ucsb.edu (secure webpage - default port 443)

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

1. Connect to campus VPN. 
2. Navigate to https://taylor.bren.ucsb.edu
3. Log in with Bren credentials.
4. You can start an RStudio, JupyterLab or Jupyter Notebooks session by selecting "New Session"

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SFTP Method

1. Download CyberDuck (sftp client).
2. Connect to campus VPN. 
3. Open up CyberDuck
4. Select "Open Connection"
5. Choose "SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol)" and input the following.

Note: Use your Bren credentials for username/password.

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SSH Method

1. Connect to campus VPN. 
2. Open up Terminal (mac) or GitBash (windows)
3. Run the following command: ssh (username)@taylor.bren.ucsb.edu
4. Type in your Bren password
5. You'll know if you connected successfully if the last line says "(username)@taylor" like the picture below.

For your reference:

VIDEO GUIDE: