Overview
Private Software
All users can install software packages privately in their home and project directories in accordance with the RCC Terms of Use. Users can compile and install software while connected to the login nodes unless the process is time- or memory-consuming. In such cases, it is recommended to use compute nodes, however note that compute nodes do not have access to the internet. Please check our documentation on how to start and use a sinteractive session here.
Shared Software
RCC uses Environment Modules for managing software packages and libraries that would otherwise conflict with one another.
When you first log into RCC clusters, you will be entered into a basic user environment with minimal software available. The module system is a script-based system used to manage the user environment and to activate software packages. You must first load the corresponding software module to access software packages installed on RCC clusters.
Basic module commands:
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
module avail |
lists all available software modules |
module avail [name] |
lists modules matching [name] |
module load [name] |
loads the named module |
module unload [name] |
unloads the named module |
module list |
lists the modules currently loaded for the user |
Module dependencies
Note that some modules require other specific modules, i.e., dependencies, to be loaded (or unloaded). If there is a conflict, you must explicitly unload the conflicting module (module unload ...), then load the desired module again. In certain cases, usually with loading an out-of-date module, you may get an error such as Error: Requirement... if a dependency is absent. In those situations, you can try module load -f <module> to force the module to load.
Note on software for AMD CPUs
For the amd partitions on Midway3, you need the software modules built specifically for AMD CPUs.
module use /software/modulefiles-amd
module list
Requesting a software package installation
If you need software not currently available in the module system and believe that multiple research groups can benefit from installing this software, send a detailed request to our Help Desk providing:
- Complete the name of the software package
- Exact version number
- Link to the package website
- Explain in a paragraph how this software is crucial for your research and having it on RCC clusters.
Commonly used software packages
This guide contains instructions for some commonly used applications and environments, including: