Quick reference

• The VirtualRDC is a cluster of Linux machines residing at CISER
• 64-bit nodes are called vrdc6401.vrdc.cornell.edu, vrdc6402.vrdc.cornell.edu, 1#1
• 32-bit nodes are called vrdc3201.vrdc.cornell.edu, vrdc3202.vrdc.cornell.edu, 1#1
• External access is limited to the SSH protocol
• Using graphical desktops on VirtualRDC, using NX
  1. Configure a NX session to vrdcXXXX.vrdc.cornell.edu with encryption enabled (Subsection 1.5). This is done only once. (note: NX takes care of any tunneling)
  2. In every day use, simply connect using the NX connect dialog.
• (Alternate) Using graphical desktops on VirtualRDC, using VNC
  1. Configure an SSH session to vrdcXXXX.vrdc.cornell.edu that allows for tunneling of a VNC session (Subsection 1.6). This is done only once.
  2. Set up a VNC session. Depending on the viewer you use, you may be able to save it (Subsection 1.6).
  3. In every day use, SSH connect to vrdcXXXX.vrdc.cornell.edu, thus establishing a tunnel.
  4. Verify that you have a running VNC session
  5. Then connect to localhost using the VNC viewer on your computer.

In most of this document, instructions are provided using the example of vrdc6401 or its original name nero. You should carefully read your welcome message to identify the node on which your account was created. All instructions also worked for other VirtualRDC nodes, such as vrdc3201.vrdc.cornell.edu.