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Introduction to HPC Workshop: 25 August 2026

The Division of Information Technology (DIT) at the University of Maryland is pleased to announce the following workshop for users of our High Performance Computing (HPC) resources.

There are only a limited number of seats available. Registration will remain open until 23 August 2026 or until all seats are filled.
We expect the workshop to fill up before the registration deadline. If the workshop is successful, we are hoping to repeat this workshop regularly.

Introduction to HPC Workshop
Date(s): 25 August 2026
Time(s): 9:00 - 12:00 PM: Basics, accessing Zaratan via web portal
12:30 - 4:00 PM: Accessing Zaratan via ssh, job scripts
Location: Brendan Iribe Center, Room 1207
Instructor: Dr. Franz Klein
Division of Information Technology, UMD
Cost: free
Registration Form: link to registration form
Application Deadline 23 August 2026
or when registration is full

Register Here

Overview

This workshop is targeted at new users of the University's High Performance Computing "Zaratan" cluster, especially those with limited or no HPC experience.

This course will introduce participants to the basics of high-performance computing (HPC), and will briefly cover:

Morning session (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):

  • general HPC concepts, terminology, etc.
  • accessing the cluster using the Open OnDemand web portal
  • performing tasks (file access and editing, job submission, interactive apps) via web portal
  • transferring files to and from the cluster

Most of the above tasks will be performed using the OnDemand web portal, which is only accessible if your laptop is connected to UMD's GlobalProtect VPN.
Note: the OnDemand web portal offers unexperienced users an efficient way to accomplish most practical tasks.

Afternoon session (12:30 - 4:00 PM):

Prerequisites

None. This is an introductory workshop and is targetted at new users of the cluster, so no previous knowledge of high performance computing nor Linux/Unix is assumed.

System Requirements

This is a bring-your-own-laptop event. Make sure that a terminal application and UMD's GlobalProtect VPN is installed. A modern web browser (on Windows preferably Firefox) is required for use of the OnDemand web portal.

Miscellaneous Details

Register Here

The classroom provides 55 seats. While the official registration deadline is August 23, 2026, we are limiting this workshop to 55 participants on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration will close once the workshop is full

Note

NOTE: DIT reserves the right to cancel the workshop for any reason with little notice.

If you have questions or need more information about the bootcamp, please feel free to contact us.