MSI Users Bulletin – March 2024

The Users Bulletin provides a summary of new policies, procedures, and events of interest to MSI users. It is published quarterly.

1. Operating System Upgrade: MSI's current operating system, CentOS7, is reaching end-of-life. We will be upgrading the operating system on Agate to Rocky8 on the May Maintenance Day, May 1. Mesabi's operating system will not be updated (Mesabi is being retired; see item below); Mangi nodes will continue to run CentOS7 until they are transferred to Agate. Software with primary support will be tested in advance of the upgrade to minimize disruptions. However, we anticipate that software with secondary support and user-compiled software may experience some compatibility issues post-upgrade.

Please see the Rocky8 Transition page for up-to-date information on this change, including information on updating your software. Test partitions, amdsmall-rocky, amdlarge-rocky, and v100-rocky, have been set up to allow researchers to test software ahead of this change.

2. Mesabi Retirement: Mesabi will be retired on June 5, 2024. Mangi nodes will remain and be attached to Agate, and Agate will be expanded with new nodes. A description of impacts to users and what you can do to prepare can be found on the Mesabi Retirement page.

3. New Agate GPUs: New nodes with powerful H100 GPUs will be arriving this summer and added to Agate. There will be a few dedicated nodes available; users who are interested will be able to join a waiting list. We will announce when you can sign up.

4. Quantum Computing Questionnaire: MSI is interested in supporting quantum computing needs at the University of Minnesota. We are gathering information on this topic; if you are interested in using quantum computing, please answer the questions on this Google form: Quantum Computing at the University of Minnesota.

5. 2024 Research Computing Exhibition: The 2024 Research Computing Exhibition will be held Tuesday, April 23, 2024. The RC Exhibition will include a poster competition, panel discussions about careers in HPC and Informatics, presentations from Research Computing units, and tours. Light refreshments will be served. The schedule and more information can be found on the 2024 Research Computing Exhibition page.

6. Research Computing Collaboration and Coffee: Research Computing Collaboration and Coffee events will be held on April 17, May 15, and June 12 at 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., in 401 Walter Library. MSI users are welcome to join staff members for informal discussions. You should bring your own beverage and/or snack. If you’re so moved, you’re welcome to bring a treat to share.

7. Spring Tutorials and Workshops: Spring tutorials are ongoing. Besides the links below, a consolidated list of courses that will help you hone your research computing skills can be found at the Research Tools and Computing Workshops portal site.

a. MSI Tutorials: MSI’s tutorials are intended to help users achieve the best results using MSI systems. Spring 2023 tutorials are hybrid, with both in-person and online (Zoom) participation. All tutorials are held in room 575 Walter Library. Descriptions and registration links can be found using the MSI Events page and the Tutorial Calendar.

Past tutorials can be viewed on the MSI YouTube channel.

b. U-Spatial Workshops: U-Spatial offers a variety of instructor-led workshops focusing on different geospatial tools and technologies. These workshops are offered at a minimal cost to U of M students, faculty, and staff. The schedule for Spring 2024 is posted on the U-Spatial website.

c. GEMS Learning: GEMS Learning provides modular, non-credit digital and data-science training for working professionals and students interested in hands-on food, agriculture, and natural resource applications. These courses give students practical knowledge to tackle data-science challenges across the agri-food sciences. Current U of M staff, faculty, and students can enroll for free. See the GEMS Learning webpage for course details and registration information.

8. U-Spatial Mapping Prizes: The deadline for the 2024 competition is May 10, 2024. U of M students are encouraged to submit their maps. Winners receive cash awards. Submission information can be found on the Spatial University website.

9. MSI Operations: MSI staff are working under a hybrid model; not all staff are working on-site full time. All MSI systems are operational and can be accessed remotely.

To request technical assistance with your MSI account, contact the Helpdesk:

10. Jobs Available at Research Computing:

11. Useful Webpages: Looking for help with using MSI? One of these pages may have the information you need: