Quickstart X11

Some applications make use of a graphical interface for their workspace, program editing or model display area. While most of your work on the HPC will make use of the command line, your work may involve the delivery of a window delivered to your local machine.

To make use of this, you will need to run software locally that will actually be the X server and the HPC ends up being the client. You will still use the vpn and the traffic will go over the encrypted SSH channel you should already be familiar with.

  • The free version of  includes an XServer. Be sure the "X11-forwarding" is checked for your SSH session.

    When you use this terminal to log in, use:  ssh -X your_netid@hpc

  • can be used in place of your Terminal.app as an X11 Server.

    When you use this terminal to log in, use: ssh -Y your_netid@hpc

  • The linux standard GUI terminal acts as an X server.

    Use: ssh -X your_netid@hpc

  • To run Matlab on your local machine:

    $ ssh -X your_netid@hpc

    Please note: this capability is available on the login (hpcprdssh02)

    $ module load MATLAB

    $ matlab

    Note: it will take a little time, but if you see the blue square then give it some time.

  • To run GaussView on your local machine:

    $ ssh -X your_netid@hpc

    $ module load Gaussian

    $ export USE_MESAGL=1

    $ gv