We organize several training events for both beginning and advanced HPC users.

Training for starters

Twice a year, at the start of the fall and spring semesters, we offer a series of courses to introduce new users to supercomputing and the use of the VSC clusters. Large groups can request an extra session.

New users are encouraged to follow the full set of trainings unless they have ample experience with the topics covered in the first two courses. Users who already have experience at other supercomputer centres are still strongly encouraged to follow the HPC@UAntwerp introduction as the organization of the software, scheduling software, and so on may very well have been different on those systems.

We make video recordings of a previous session available. Even if you have taken some of the lectures already, it may be useful to have a second look at some parts.

Introduction to Linux​
  • For everybody without previous Linux experience (basic commands and bash scripting).
  • An introduction to Linux, the operating system of all VSC supercomputers.
  • Previous session: October 9, 9.30-13.30 h (CMI G.025) and October 10, 13.00-17.00 h (CMI G.026)
  • Next session: February 12 and 13, 9.30-13.30 h (CMI G.026)
  • Slides of the February 2024 session
Supercomputers for starters
  • For everybody without knowledge of supercomputer architecture (hardware and software).
  • We take a closer look at the architecture of a supercomputer and the consequences that has for running and developing software. The course material is not restricted to the clusters at the University of Antwerp VSC hub, but applies to all VSC clusters and even LUMI, the European pre-exascale supercomputer that Belgium participates in, and other big supercomputers. The outcome of this lecture is not only a better understanding of the fundamental differences between a supercomputer and a regular workstation and the fundamental limitations of a supercomputer, but also some insight in what can be expected the coming years.
  • This lecture is equally relevant to those who will merely be running existing software as to those who will program on the clusters.
  • Previous session: October 12, 9.30-13.00 h (CGB U.244) and October 17, 9.30-13.00 h (CGB U.241)
  • Next session: February 20, 9.30-13.00 h (CGB U.406) and February 22, 9.30-13.00 h (CMI G.016)
  • Slides of the February 2024 session
  • Course notes
HPC@UAntwerp introduction​
  • For everybody who has not yet attended a previous session of this course.
  • An introduction to the CalcUA HPC infrastructure of the University of Antwerp.
  • All new users are encouraged to take this course, even if you have experience on other clusters.
  • Previous session: October 16 and 23, 9.00-13.30 h (CMI G.025)
  • Next session: February 26 and 27, 13.00-17.30 h (CMI G.025)
  • Slides of the February 2024 session
  • Exercises