This app was created to help new (and seasoned) DEAC users learn about the computer, understand basic commands, and connect and understand the resource better. This was achieved through 5 subpages, described below.
The first page allows users to try basic Linux commands (such as pwd, ls, cd, etc.) which is connected to the terminal. This way, if a user tries a command incorrectly (such as ccd instead of cd), it is done so in a safe environment which will not directly impact any work done on the terminal. This allows users to try out commands, see what their outputs are if done correctly, and do so in a stress-free environment, as working directly on the terminal can oftentimes feel intimidating to new users.
The second page allows people to connect to DEAC NotebookLM, an AI-powered Doc Chat bot that will help users get answers to specific questions they may have about the cluster, technical issues, navigating potential issues with research and policies for students and professors, and offer programming tips and tools to help them in their journey. Additionally, this page offers a link to DEAC Wiki, another resource hub for the supercomputer, including FAQs, a video library, GPU overviews, and much more! This page gives users a chance to explore the DEAC through an external lens, and see its power outside of their own research/needs. Additionally, it gives people a way to answer DEAC-specific questions to a chat bot, an extremely helpful feature in the age of AI.
Starting projects on new technology can feel very intimidating, especially when you don't know anything about the resource. Intro to the DEAC is a short overview of what the supercomputer is, what it does, and why students, faculty, and others need this resource in today's day in age. With this information, users can feel more confident about their usage of the DEAC, and understand it better in the context of technological advancements and Wake Forest's cutting-edge reseach and resource.
It is difficult to start working with the supercomputer without knowing any of the common commands and what they do. This page gives users a starting point. Here, they will find the most used commands, and a quick explination of what it does and how to use it (example from the app: - cat -- view file contents, ex: `cat project1.txt). Linux, Slurm, and Module system commands are available on this sheet.
The apps last, and arguably most fun, page is DeacQuest, a variation of the common computer game BashCrawl. Users can play this exciting adventure game, connected to their terminal on the app. This gives a fun way to explore commands listed in the previous Cheat Sheet page, and understand them in an applicable way. The app will also catch any errors, to help users explore the game (different txt files, directories, and more) in a safe environment.
Through cheat sheets, resource pages, and interactive games, the intent of Deac Connect is to help users access all the resources available to them, and be given tools to make starting work with/on the DEAC feel less intimidating. We hope you enjoy!