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Getting Started (FAQ)

What is Compute Canada?

Compute Canada, in partnership with regional organizations WestGrid, Compute Ontario, Calcul Québec and ACENET, leads the acceleration of research innovation by deploying state-of-the-art advanced research computing (ARC) systems, storage and software solutions. Together these partners provide essential ARC services and infrastructure for Canadian researchers and their collaborators in all academic and industrial sectors.

Compute Canada's world-class team of more than 200 experts, employed by 34 partner universities and research institutions across the country, provide direct support to research teams.

Compute Canada is a proud ambassador for Canadian excellence in ARC nationally and internationally.

How do I get started using WestGrid?

Please see the QuickStart Guide for New Users.

Does anyone have a sample R submission script?

See the WestGrid Software section on R: 

http://westgrid.ca/support/software/R

Which WestGrid system should I use?

Please see the QuickStart Guide for New Users, specifically the section "Choosing Which System to Use".

What are examples of common commands for submitting and monitoring jobs?

CLICK HERE for a handout of common pbs script commands, environment variables, job monitoring commands, cluster and group information. 

There are also a number of commands that can be used to monitor job queues and machines (CLICK HERE for a Summary Sheet of common job monitoring commands).

You may also refer to the Running Jobs Page and Job Monitoring Page for a description of the general features of job scripts, how to submit them for execution and how to monitor their progress.

As some of the commands, sample scripts and usage policies vary from one WestGrid system to another, please consult the QuickStart Guide for the particular system on which you are working for additional details.

What sort of training is available for learning how to use Compute Canada systems?

WestGrid offers online training sessions on topics such as getting started with WestGrid, programming languages, specialized software, research data management, and data visualization tools.

WestGrid also coordinates in-person training sessions to deliver interactive, hands-on instruction on a range of introductory and advanced topics. This can include:

If you would like WestGrid to host an in-person training session at your institutions, please contact Alex Razoumov for more information. 

To stay informed of upcoming training opportunities, join our mailing list and/or follow WestGrid on Twitter (@WestGrid).