CIRCE Desktop Environment

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CIRCE Desktop Environment

For users wishing to connect to the CIRCE cluster via a remote graphical desktop, RC provides this functionality via the program X2Go. X2Go has free-to-use clients that work with all 3 major operating systems (Windows, MacOS, and Linux). A short description and guide for X2Go is provided below.

WARNING: Memory or CPU-intensive processes will be terminated. Such processes are defined as those that consume greater than 1GB of memory, heavily utilize the CPU for more than 30 minutes, or utilize more than one CPU either through threads or MPI. These processes should be submitted to the batch queue via SLURM. Repeated abuse of the login nodes for these purposes will result in account suspension.

What is X2Go?

X2Go is a Remote Desktop solution, which some vendors vaguely call remote access or control. This is not to be confused with Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection, which is a competing Remote Desktop solution and protocol. X2Go enables you to access a graphical desktop of a computer over a low bandwidth (or high bandwidth) connection. This method also uses either the MATE desktop environments to provide access to CIRCE and its applications. Advanced users can also configure X2Go to launch individual applications (e.g. xterm or MatLAB) without the entire desktop window.

Installing the X2Go Client

In order to use X2Go, you will need to install the X2Go Client on your desktop or workstation. Please click the appropriate link for X2Go for your operating system:


For all operating systems, the directions for install are available from the vendor website:

Connecting to CIRCE via X2Go

Setting up a Graphical Desktop Session

Configuring X2Go

When you first log into CIRCE via X2Go, you will begin a new session. A session provides a full desktop environment and will include any applications you launch while you are logged in. This will not include any programs running in the queue.

Session Settings

Enter the host circe.rc.usf.edu . You will also enter your USF NetID next to “Login” and leave the “SSH Port” as 22. Then, set the “Session type” to MATE from the drop down list. Use the below image as a guide.

Circe desktop 01 session.PNG

Connection Settings

You can tailor the connection speed to fit your network type, but the default ADSL is fine for most connections, and may eliminate some issues with latency. The 4k-png compression method has been the most stable in testing, while providing reasonable resolution. Tinker at your own risk!

Circe desktop 02 connection.PNG

Input/Output Settings

For Display settings, select "Custom", and start with size 1024x768. Additionally, the Display can be adjusted to “Fullscreen”, “Use whole display” for multiple monitor setups, or adjusted to whatever size you like. Important: Most user will want to uncheck the box for “Set display DPI”. See image below. Leaving this active may cause some applications to display improperly.

Circe desktop 03 io.PNG

Media Settings

Sound and printing can be turned off to improve speed and stability. Most other settings can be left as the default.

Circe desktop 04 media.PNG

Shared Folders Settings

The "Shared Folders" tab can remain as the default, shown below:

Circe desktop 05 shared-folders.PNG


Logging In

Select the appropriate box on the right side of the X2Go window representing your CIRCE session. You should be prompted for your NetID password.

Upon selecting OK, a new connection will be initiated. It can take several seconds for the desktop to initialize, so please be patient.

Mac users may need to open the desktop settings once X2Go is running, and disable all keyboard shortcuts on the Linux system. It seems there is a bug which may cause X2Go to think the “Super Key” is continually pressed.

Minimizing from Fullscreen Mode

Active X2Go windows can be minimized to the background without closing the session. The method varies by OS.

  • Windows: Using Alt+Tab to switch windows will place X2Go in the background.
  • Linux: Using Ctrl+Alt+m will minimize X2Go to the panel. On some systems, you can mouse-over or click in the very top right corner of the screen (if you are using hot-corners).
  • Mac: Using the top Mac menu.

Ending a Session

Sessions can be ended by logging out (going to System->Logoff in the top tool bar).

  • NOTE: Please do not click the X in the upper-right-hand corner to exit, as this will suspend your session and not exit.

Suspending Sessions

Session suspension and resume is not fully supported. All new connections may or may not restore previous sessions regardless of whether you attempted to suspend an existing session currently open. Plan accordingly.

Setting up an Xterm-only Session

Configuring X2Go

For those users who wish to only have an Xterm-only connection (and not a full Graphical Desktop) to CIRCE for GUI-based applications . To do so, please configure all tabs as shown above, except configure the "Session" tab as shown below:

Circe xterm session.PNG

Logging In

Select the appropriate box on the right side of the X2Go window representing your CIRCE session. You should be prompted for your NetID password.

Upon selecting OK, a new connection will be initiated. It can take several seconds for the Xterm window to initialize, so please be patient.

Ending a Session

Once completed, just type "exit" at the terminal prompt to exit the Xterm session.