To run Jupyter notebooks securely on LC systems, you need to use Orbit, LC's platform hosting JupyterLab. This guide shows how to launch a notebook on an LC system where you have an account. Follow these steps:

1. Access Orbit

In a web browser, navigate to the Orbit login page for your desired zone:

Zone Orbit URL
CZ lc.llnl.gov/orbit
RZ rz.llnl.gov/orbit
SCF (from iSRD system) lc.llnl.gov/orbit

2. Log In

  • Enter your OUN (Organization User Name) and one-time password (PIN + token code) when prompted.
  • Proceed after successful authentication.

3. Select a Host

  • You will see a list of LC machines available in your chosen zone.
  • Select the machine where you want to run your notebook.

 

 

4. Set Up Your Server

  • Select a Spawner:

    • Choose Login Node Spawner for lightweight editing and viewing.
    • Choose Flux Spawner or Slurm Spawner for more intensive tasks. These options are recommended for notebooks that require significant computation or take more than a few seconds to execute.
    • The available spawner options depend on the machine and its resource manager.

  • Configure Resources:

    • If you select "Flux" or "Slurm" Spawner:
      • Choose the appropriate queue or partition.
      • Specify your bank (project allocation).
      • Set the compute resources you need (CPUs, GPUs, etc.).
      • Click Start to launch your notebook server.

 

5. Await Your Server

  • As your server loads, you will see a status message.
  • If you requested a Flux or Slurm Spawner, you may need to wait until your requested compute resources are available.

6. Navigate JupyterLab

  • Once your allocation is granted, JupyterLab will open in your browser.

  • The left panel shows your home directory; the right panel displays the "Launcher".

  • You can re-open the Launcher at any time by clicking the "+" symbol in the left panel.

  • From the Launcher, select a notebook using one of your available kernels.

    • All users have access to the default kernel: Python 3 (ipykernel).
    • Additional kernel options will appear as you create custom kernels from virtual environments.

  • When a notebook is open, you can see the selected kernel at the top right of the notebook interface.

    • The kernel choice is important: only tools and Python packages installed in the kernel's underlying environment will be available in your notebook.