Research Computing
Access Boston University research computing environments for Linux-based analysis, specialized research software, and computationally intensive workloads.
RESEARCH COMPUTING OPTIONS
Choose the Right Computing Environment
Boston University provides research computing options for different levels of computational work. Compare the Shared Computing Cluster and Linux Virtual Lab to find the environment that best matches your research, software, storage, and access needs.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING
Shared Computing Cluster
The Shared Computing Cluster (SCC) is Boston University’s high-performance Linux computing environment for computationally and data-intensive research across many disciplines.
Built for Advanced Research Computing
The SCC combines shared and researcher-owned computing resources, storage, research software, and professional support for workloads that require more capability than a standard desktop or virtual lab.
High-Performance Computing
Run computationally intensive workloads using shared CPU, GPU, memory, and storage resources.
Research Project Access
SCC access requires membership in an active Research Computing project. Faculty can create projects and add students or collaborators.
Browser or SSH Access
SCC OnDemand is the recommended browser-based access method and provides terminals, desktops, files, Jupyter, and interactive applications. SSH is also available.
Research Software
Access research applications and programming environments for statistics, engineering, GIS, machine learning, visualization, scientific computing, and more.
GENERAL-PURPOSE LINUX ACCESS
Linux Virtual Lab
The Linux Virtual Lab provides current BU students, faculty, and staff with limited access to the Shared Computing Cluster through the SCC OnDemand web portal.
Interactive Linux Without a Full SCC Project
Use browser-based Linux desktops and university research software without the larger compute and project-management requirements of a full SCC research account.
Who Can Use It
Available to current BU students, faculty, and staff. Sponsored Guests may also request access.
Browser Access
Connect through SCC OnDemand using your BU login and Kerberos password after your Linux Virtual Lab account has been created.
Interactive Tools
Access interactive Linux desktops, Jupyter Notebook, RStudio Server, TensorBoard Server, and most software available on the SCC.
10 GB Storage
Each Linux Virtual Lab account includes a 10 GB home directory with snapshots for deleted-file recovery and RAID protection.
RESEARCH COMPUTING ESSENTIALS
Before You Get Started
A couple of things to consider before choosing or requesting a research computing environment.
Access & Eligibility
Access requirements vary by service. SCC projects are generally created and managed by faculty, while Linux Virtual Lab provides a more general-purpose Linux environment for eligible BU users.
Data & Storage
Consider your storage, data sensitivity, collaboration, and retention needs before choosing a computing environment. Research projects may require approved BU storage or security practices.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Quick Answers
Do I need an SCC account to use the Shared Computing Cluster?
Yes. Full SCC access requires an SCC account associated with a Research Computing project. A Linux Virtual Lab account provides more limited SCC access.
Can I access the SCC through a web browser?
Yes. SCC OnDemand is the recommended access method and provides browser-based terminals, desktops, file tools, Jupyter, and other interactive applications.
Can students use the Linux Virtual Lab?
Yes. The Linux Virtual Lab is available to current BU students, faculty, and staff after an account has been requested.
Can I run batch jobs in the Linux Virtual Lab?
No. Linux Virtual Lab accounts do not include access to SCC batch-processing nodes.
Need help with research computing?
Questrom IT and BU Research Computing can help you determine which environment is appropriate for your work and connect you with the right research computing resources.
Get IT Support
questromhelp@bu.edu
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