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Neuroimaging Compute Facility -
Information for Users
How do I get an NCF User Account?
Why do I have to use an NCF designated workstation and where can I find one?
How do I access the NCF network remotely?
How do I access the Virtual Private Network (VPN)/ install the VPN client?
How much space will I be allocated to process and store my data?
The NCF is a resource for the Harvard Neuroimaging Community and their collaborators. To access, just sign up for a user account indicating your laboratory and Principal Investigator.
How do I get an NCF User Account?
To request a new account, fill out the online Account Request form. Requests for new accounts will be verified with lab PIs, so please allow a few days. When your account is ready, you will be sent instructions for logging onto the system.
Login to an NCF designated workstation.
Open a terminal window (Using the pull down menus at the top left of the screen, select Applications -> Accessories -> Terminal).
Run the following command: kinit
Enter your current password when prompted. This will initiate your kerberos ticket (allowing you to change your passwd with the next command.
Run the following command: kpasswd
This will prompt you to enter your original password and then enter your new password (twice).
Why do I have to use an NCF designated workstation and where can I find one?
The NCF system is a secure private network. You may access the system via one of the designated terminals located at the Center for Brain Science Neuroimaging pod on the second floor of William James Hall, or remotely via the VIrtual Private Network (VPN) authenticated with your Harvard ID and PIN, or the SSH Gateway. Instructions for setting up external access, including a list of workstation names, will be emailed to new users with their account information. If you have misplaced this documentation, click here.
How to I access the NCF network remotely?
Remote access to the NCF network is via the Virtual Private Network (VPN) authenticated with your Harvard ID and PIN), or the SSH gateway. Instructions for setting up external access, including a list of designated workstations, will be emailed to new users with their account information. If you have misplaced this documentation, click here.
How do I access the Virtual Private Network (VPN)/ install the VPN client?
The NCF Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows secure access to the resources of the NCF. To use the VPN you must authenticate with your Harvard ID (HUID) and Harvard PIN. Please contact NCFSupport with a request for access to the VPN. Do not include your HUID or PIN in the request. The NCF support team will contact you and set up your HUID for access to the VPN.
Once you are notified that your access to the VPN has been granted, execute the following steps to install the VPN client on your workstation or laptop.
- Download the client.
Go to the FAS Software Download Site and get the VPN client for your operating system (e.g. MacOSX, Windows XP)- Install the client.
Run the installer that was downloaded. Use the default settings for the installation.- Reboot your workstation/laptop.
- Save the PCF configuration file.
The file NCFVPN.pcf has the configuration information that the VPN client needs to connect to the NCF concentrator. You will have received this file when you registered for an NCF computer account. If you need this file, click here. Save the PCF file to your workstation/laptop.- Start the VPN client and import the PCF file.
- Start the VPN Client (for Windows,
Start -> Programs -> Cisco VPN Client)- Click the “Import” icon
- Select the location where NCFVPN.pcf file is located
- Connect to the NCF. Anytime that you want to use the NCF resources remotely,
- Click the “Connect” icon.
- Enter your username (i.e. yourHUID@ncf) and HU password in the dialog box that appears.
- You should see a successful connect message. Click “continue” and you are now on the NCF Net!
Suggestions:
- At this point, you can connect (via ssh) to any of the NCF workstations (such as NCCWSCNL01, NCCWSCNL02, …05) and use the application and file systems for which you have privileges.
- For Windows users, you may also want to install an ssh client (e.g. Putty) and an X server (e.g. Xming) on your workstation/laptop.
Common tools for data analysis are available and updated regularly. Licenses and software packages for data analysis include Analyze, FreeSurfer, FIV, FSL, MatLab, and SPM. Neuroinformatics tools including XNAT and Oasis are also available. In addition, a developing shared resource will house common processing scripts and tutorials for neuroimaging data analysis including merged atlases for analysis of older adults and children, as well as innovative procedures for high resolution data analysis and surface visualization.
How much space will I be allocated to process and store my data?
Work and data storage space are allocated to the Principal Investigator of each laboratory. Within a lab, the PI is responsible for dividing up space, so see your PI for space requests. In addition, each user will have 1 GB of space in their home directory. Please do not use the home directory for data storage - it will run out fast!
For assistance with NCF related issues contact: ncfsupport@lsdiv.harvard.edu
Please provide as much detail as possible so that the Helpdesk staff can address your problem quickly.
revised 06/2008 jmg