Welcome

This section guides you through the process of accessing and connecting to the XLence cluster.

🔑 How to Get Access

Learn how to request and obtain access to the cluster: - INDACO registration prerequisite - Account activation process - Research groups and job submission - Storage policy and limitations

Start here if: You don't have a cluster account yet.

Instructions for connecting to the cluster via SSH: - SSH connection from Linux, macOS, and Windows - SSH key setup (passwordless) - SSH configuration file - Command-line file transfers (SCP, SFTP, rsync)

Start here if: You have an account and want to use the cluster for computing.

📁 SFTP File Transfer Clients

Graphical tools for downloading and uploading files: - Cyberduck (Windows, macOS) - FileZilla (Windows, macOS, Linux) - WinSCP (Windows) - Downloading NGS data - Data integrity verification

Start here if: You just want to download your NGS data or transfer files using a graphical interface.

🖥️ Remote Desktop Clients

Tools for running graphical applications on the cluster: - Bitvise SSH Client (Windows) - Windows App (macOS) - Remmina (Linux) - Remote desktop setup

Start here if: You need to use graphical software (VMD, molecular visualization, etc.) on the cluster.

Typical Workflows

Workflow 1: NGS Data Download Only

Register on INDACO → How to Get Access
Request XLence account activation
Use SFTP client → SFTP File Transfer Clients
Download your data

Workflow 2: Running Computations

Register on INDACO → How to Get Access
Request account and join a research group
Connect via SSH → How to Connect
Load software modules and submit jobs → Job Scheduling

Workflow 3: Using Graphical Software

Register and connect → How to Get Access + How to Connect
Set up remote desktop client → Remote Desktop Clients
Run graphical applications (VMD, molecular modeling tools, etc.)

Support

For questions about getting started:

Uliano Guerrini: uliano.guerrini@unimi.it
Omar Ben Mariem: omar.benmariem@unimi.it

Last Updated: October 2025