Rice UNIX Facility(RUF)

What is RUF?

The Rice UNIX Facility or RUF is for faculty and graduate student short-term research projects, and for faculty and staff general computing needs (e-mail, Internet access). Vet, the statistical compute server for RUF, is available to anyone needing statistical tools. (See below for more information about Vet.) Research projects are limited to short-term usage because most departments provide research computing facilities that can be used for more extensive projects.

Accounts

Individuals must have a RUF account to access the UNIX system. If you wish to access RUF from off campus, you also need a dialup account. You can apply for both of these accounts at http://apply.rice.edu.

Getting Started

Introduction to UNIX can help you learn the basics of the UNIX operating system. Other UNIX documents are available on editors and other software programs available on Owlnet. IT also has short courses on UNIX topics that can get you started. See the Short Course Schedule for a list of future classes and the UNIX handouts from these courses.

How to Get Help

If you need assistance working on RUF:

• Contact the Help Desk at 713-348-HELP (4357)
• E-mail helpdesk@rice.edu
• Request assistance by visiting http://helpdesk.rice.edu
• Search for information in the FAQ

Resources

Basically, RUF consists of a UNIX server only. RUF does not have a workstation lab. Using departmental computers and the campus network, you can use the computing resources of RUF remotely.

RUF also has a statistical compute server called Vet for individuals who need to use statistical programs such as SAS or SPSS. For more information on Vet, see below.

Regulations

RUF is governed by the Rice Appropriate Use of Computing Resources Policy.

What is Vet?

Vet is the statistical compute server for the Rice UNIX Facility. You must have a RUF account before you obtain a Vet account. After your RUF account is created, apply for a Vet account by sending mail to helpdesk@rice.edu or logging your request at http://helpdesk.rice.edu.

Getting Started

In addition to the documents listed in the Getting Started section above the Vet Reference Card may be helpful.