This introduction provides basic information about high-performance computing (HPC) at the RWTH Aachen University’s IT Center for different target groups and needs. It is the basis for the follow-up event PPCES 2024. It focus on CLAIX-2023, the cluster that has been installed end of 2023 at the RWTH Aachen University’s IT Center and will be available in Q1/24.

The first part (Monday) provides basic information about HPC resources and targets not only HPC users but also decision makers. It provides information for the participants to take strategic decisions concerning employment of HPC resources and filing applications for computing projects consuming a decent amount of resources. No prior knowledge is required to attend.

The second part (Tuesday) is aimed at those who (want to) use HPC resources. It will enable participants to get a better understanding of the skill set they need. You will particularly learn about the most important details on using CLAIX-2023. Those who use to run their computing applications on local machines will learn how to run those applications on the RWTH Compute Cluster provided the necessary software licenses are in place. Generally, this event is also meant to teach the HPC basics that are needed to take part in our more in-depth event PPCES and to help take decisions on which part of PPCES might be interesting for you. We expect participants to have a basic knowledge of Linux and experience with their applications on any other computing devices. You can find a basic tutorial for Linux here:

Linux Tutorial

All presentations will be given in English.

Detailed Agenda (preliminary) and Course Materials 

Part I (Monday, February 5th)

Part II (Tuesday, February 6th)