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Software

Details the different methods available to access software on the NeSI cluster.

Environment Modules

Environment Modules are a convenient way to access already installed applications on the cluster, a list of which can be found in the Software Catalouge.

'loading' a module prepares the environment you need to run an application.

Module Command

This is all done using the module command.

Command Description
module spider Lists all available modules.
module spider [module name] Searches available modules for [module name]
module load [module name] Loads [module name], and its dependencies
module unload [module name] Unloads [module name], and its dependencies
module purge Unloads all modules.
module list [module name] Lists currently loaded modules.
module show [module name] Shows information about [module name]
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For a full list of module commands run man module or visit the lmod documentation.

Tip

You can create your own modules. See Installing Third Party applications.

Version Management

Much of the software installed on the NeSI cluster have multiple versions available as shown in the Software Catalouge or by using the module spider command.

If only the application name is given a default version will be chosen, generally the most recent one. However it is good practice to load modules using the specific version so you can ensure consistent execution of your job even after the default version has been changed.

If you need a specific version of software, feel free to ask support and we may install it, for example.

module load ANSYS

Will load the default version of ANSYS, in this case 19.2, however this may change.

module load ANSYS/18.1

Will always load that version specifically.

Installing Your Own Software

You are welcome to install software yourself, either in your home or project directories. See Building Software for more info.

If you require assistance, don't hesitate to Contact our Support Team.

Containers

You may run OCI containers using Apptainer, see Apptainer for more details.

Installion Request

To request that we install a scientific application (either a new application, or a new version of an already installed application), please Contact our Support Team.

Information to Include in Request
  • What is the name and version number of the software you would like to be installed? If you wish to use a copy from a version control repository, what tag or release do you need? Please be aware that we usually require a stable release version of a piece of software before we will install it for all users.
  • Why would you like us to install this software package?
  • What is the web site or home web page of the package? If you don't know this information or the package doesn't have a web site, who is the author or lead developer? In some cases, there exist two or more packages with the same or very similar names. If we know the web site we can be sure that we are installing the same package that you are requesting.
  • How is the package installed? For example, compiled from source, precompiled binary, or installed as a Python, Perl, R, etc. library?
  • What dependencies, if any, does the package require? Please be aware that the exact dependency list may depend on the particular use cases you have in mind (like the ability to read and write a specific file format).
  • Have you (or another member of your project team) tried to install it yourself on a NeSI system? If so, were you successful?
  • If you or your institution doesn't own the copyright in the software, under what licence are you permitted to use it? Does that licence allow you to install and run it on a NeSI system? (Hint: Most free, open-source software licences will allow you to do this.)
  • Who else do you know of who wants to use that software on a NeSI system? Please provide their names, institutional affiliations, and NeSI project codes (if you know them).
  • What tests do you have that will allow us to verify that the software is performing correctly and at an acceptable speed?

Our team will review your request and will make a decision as to whether we will install the application and make it generally available.