Access CRC Using Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)¶
If for whatever reason you are unable to get VPN to work, you can try accessng CRC through AVD. The AVD is a cloud-based Windows instance with direct access to PittNet.
A schematic of the process is depicted below.
Definitions
- Client -- this is your computer or internet-connected device
- Access Portal -- one of several remote servers used to submit jobs to the high performance computing clusters or to perform data management operations
- CRC Ecosystem -- the total footprint of the CRC infrastructure, including high performance computing clusters, data storage systems, networking equipment, and software
- Azure Virtual Desktop -- A cloud-based Windows Remote Desktop that has a direct connection to PittNet
1. Install and Configure Remote Desktop client¶
You will need to install the Remote Desktop client for your OS. The previous link provides instructions for various types of devices. Below, we will only highlight MacOS and Windows.
Installing and Configuring the Remote Desktop client
In MacOS, the Windows App client software is distributed through the Mac App Store. Open the the Windows App after download.
Next, add Pitt's Remote Desktop Device by selecting Add Work or School Account from the + widget, located towards the upper right-hand corner of the window.
This will take you to the Microsoft Sign in panel for authenticating using Pitt Single Sign-On.
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In Windows, the Microsoft Remote Desktop software is distributed through the Microsoft App Store. Open Remote Desktop installer after download.
Next, add Pitt's Workspaces by selecting Workspaces from the + Add widget, located towards the upper right-hand corner of the window.
This will take you to the Subscribe to a Workspace window where you will be asked to sign in using your Pitt credentials..
| Authenticate via Pitt Passport | |
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2. Connecting to an AVD Device¶
Connecting to a Remote Device
After successful authentication, you will be presented with list of authorized remote Devices that you can connect to. Your device list may be different from what is shown below, depending on your role. For students and faculty, the Device you wish to log in to is Pitt IT - Virtual Student Computing Lab. For staff, the Device you wish to log in to is Pitt IT - Remote Work. If you do not see any of these Devices, please submit a help ticket, stating that you need authorization to use AVD to access CRC.
UPMC Devices
CRC users on UPMC devices, please follow these instructions for connecting to the HSIT-AVD instance.
Double clicking on that selection will prompt for your Pitt credentials.
You will see the Remote Windows Desktop after successful login. From this remote portal, you can access CRC.
After successful authentication, you will be presented with list of authorized Workspaces that you can connect to. Your Workspaces may be different from what is shown below, depending on your role. For students and faculty, the Workspace you wish to log in to is Pitt IT - Virtual Student Computing Lab. For staff, the Workspace you wish to log in to is Pitt IT - Remote Work. If you do not see any of these Devices, please submit a help ticket, stating that you need authorization to use AVD to access CRC.
UPMC Devices
CRC users on UPMC devices, please follow these instructions for connecting to the HSIT-AVD instance.
Double clicking on that selection will prompt for your Pitt credentials.
| Authenticate via Pitt Passport | |
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You will see the Remote Windows Desktop after successful login. From this remote portal, you can access CRC.
3. Various Methods Connecting to CRC¶
Options for Connecting to CRC
Shown below is the Desktop of the Virtual Computing Lab, where there are active connections to CRC using
- PuTTY
- WinSCP
- MobaXterm
- Viz, Open OnDemand portals via a web browser
Search for and launch the PuTTY app from the Windows Start Menu.
Fill in the PuTTY Configuration using the following values:
- Host Name (or IP address): h2p.crc.pitt.edu or htc.crc.pitt.edu
- Port: 22
- Connection type: SSH
You might also want to Save the profile under a name for quick loading in the future.
When you first connect, you may see the following PuTTY Security Alert message below. Select Accept.
The login credentials are your Pitt username (all lowercase) and password.
A successful authentication will present you with a terminal to one of the CRC login nodes.
Transfer of files from the AVD to CRC can be done using WinSCP. Go to the Windows Start Menu and search for the WinSCP app.
Fill in the Login Session panel using the following values:
- File protocol: SFTP
- Host name: h2p.crc.pitt.edu or htc.crc.pitt.edu
- Port number: 22
- User name: your Pitt username all in lowercase
- Password: your Pitt password
You might want to Save the session under a Site name for quick loading in the future. Press Login to initiate the connection.
When you first connect, you may see the following Warning message below. Select Accept.
Enter the password again if prompted.
A successful connection will present a window with two panes. The left side shows the filesystem on the AVD device, while the right side shows your $HOME folder on CRC.
You can transfer files between the two filesystems by dragging and dropping between the two panes.
When terminating a session, you may be prompted with the option to save the workspace.
Within the AVD, point your browser to the Download page to get the Portable edition of the software.
End User License Agreement (EULA)
Please read the full MoabXterm terms and conditions. According to the EULA, section 5.1 Right of use:
...
Individual end-user is allowed to download (only from MobaXterm website: https://mobaxterm.mobatek.net) and to use
MobaXterm Home Edition in a commercial or company environment. However, software installation must be performed by
the end-user himself: the user who uses MobaXterm Home Edition inside a company must be the same person who
downloaded the software and installed it. It is therefore not allowed to redistribute or deploy MobaXterm Home
Edition inside a company. It is also not allowed for multiple users to use a single shared installation of MobaXterm
Home Edition in a company, whether at the same time or not. These usages are covered by MobaXterm Professional Edition.
Navigate to the directory where the MobaXterm zip file was saved and double click on it to extract. Go into the resulting software directory and run the MobaXterm program.
Click on the Session widget to open the settings panel. Select the SSH option and fill in the Basic SSH setting with the following values:
- Remote host: h2p.crc.pitt.edu or htc.crc.pitt.edu
- Specify username: your Pitt username in all lowercase
- Port: 22
followed by clicking on OK.
Input your Pitt password. If the authentication becomes successful, you may be prompted to save your password. Make sure your Master Password is super strong if you decide to save your Pitt password locally on the AVD device. Selecting No will result in MobaXterm prompting for your password when you login again.
A successful authentication will drop you onto the commandline on one of the CRC login nodes.
By default, X-forwarding is enable on MobaXterm, giving you the capability to to display GUI applications through the included X server.
From within the AVD, all CRC webportals are accessible, including
- Open OnDemand: https://ondemand.htc.crc.pitt.edu
- Viz Linux Desktop: https://viz.crc.pitt.edu
- JupyterHub for teaching: https://jupyter.crc.pitt.edu
