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RRZ
Regional Computing
Center (RRZ)

Photo: UHH, RRZ/MCC, Mentz

Scientific Remote Desktop (SRD)

Scientific Remote Desktops (SRDs) are virtual workstations operated by the RRZ that enable interactive work in a desktop environment via the remote desktop mechanism. SRDs are provided to enable the use of hardware that is more powerful than that available at the workplace, i.e., hardware that has more processing cores, larger main memory, and, if necessary, a general-purpose GPU. In terms of performance, an SRD is positioned between a workstation and a classic HPC cluster.

Applying for an SRD

If the computing resources of your workstation are insufficient and you are considering using an SRD, please follow this link to the contact form and fill out the form. The RRZ will then consult with you to find the best possible solution. A decision tree for computing requirements is used to find a solution. Typical criteria for using an SRD are:

  • The existing hardware is not powerful enough: the CPU performance is too low, the main memory is significantly too small.
  • A GPU is required.
  • Interactive access is important.
  • Software that is not available on the HPC cluster is to be used.
  • The requirement only exists for a short period of time.

Operation and use of an SRD

The RRZ operates the SRDs in a virtualized manner in order to use existing resources efficiently. However, this also means that several SRDs usually share a hardware host, which means that the SRDs are dependent on a certain degree of cooperation with each other. The RRZ therefore requests that resource requirements be requested in appropriate amounts according to their purpose and returned promptly after use. If you anticipate that you will not be using an SRD for an extended period of time (e.g., during vacation or a longer stay abroad), the RRZ requests that you shut down the SRD using the operating system function. It will automatically turn back on and start up the next time you log in. However, this login process may take up to one minute.

You can choose between Windows or Ubuntu Linux as your operating system. An SRD with the selected operating system is provided by the Virtualization Infrastructure department. An initial installation is provided. After that, you are responsible for all software work.

Windows operating system

Windows is installed with administrator rights in the German or English version. Common software can be installed via a self-service portal.

Ubuntu operating system

A current version of Ubuntu with long-term support (LTS) is installed. You are granted administrator rights via the usual sudo mechanism. You can work in several desktop sessions at the same time.

Further support from the RRZ

As mentioned above, you are essentially responsible for your SRD. In certain cases, you will still need support from the RRZ, e.g., if the SRD does not start or you need more resources. In this case, please contact the RRZ ServiceLine (rrz-serviceline“AT”uni-hamburg.de) by email and mention the keyword Scientific Remote Desktop in the subject line and/or the text.