The Open OnDemand Portal (OOD) for interacting with the UMD HPC clusters is a good place to start reading for new users to the cluster, especially those who are not very familiar with using the Linux/Unix command line, as it has features that can increase the usability of the cluster in such cases. However, even advanced users might find various features, in particular Interactive Applications, Batch Jobs and Shell Access useful, especially when on the road.

The Open OnDemand service is available to anyone (faculty, staff, and students) with access to Zaratan HPC clusters, which may be requested through the Allocation Advisory Committee (AAC). Access to HPC clusters is not limited to members of specific departments and/or colleges.  

Available interactive applications include Desktop, MATLAB, and Jupyter, and more may be added in the future. When time allows, we hope to add more interactive applications. 

For more information about starting and using interactive sessions, visit https://hpcc.umd.edu/hpcc/help/ood.html. 

There are no fees for use of Open OnDemand at UMD; all members of campus can submit applications for free compute time on HPC resources.