ESM4714
Scientific Visual Data Analysis and Multimedia
Exercise #4: Details of File Transfers in the SciViz and Multimedia labs

Motivation:
Transferring files from remote-site High Performance Computers (HPC) to desktop UNIX workstations, Mac, and PCs computers has been a key issue for many of our laboratory users over the last ten years. We have included this exercise for users of the Multimedia and the Scientific Visual Analysis labs. Data transfers commonly occur between remote-site HPCs, UNIX workstations, and desktop Macs and PCs. This is also why we have organized the class chronologically in three parts: 1) Scientific Simulations: where large data sets are generate on remote- site HPCs, 2) Scientific Visual Data Analysis: where images are generated from these data sets on graphics (UNIX) workstations, and finally 3) Multimedia Presentation: where these images are compiled into a multimedia presentation using multimedia authoring tools on the more common desktop Mac and PC computers. This chronology of data generation into meaningful images and communiated in multimedia format requires data transfer between the various computers via the network, which provides the motivation for this exercise.

Here we emphasize that images of the data should be created by the scientist who also generates the data, because only the scientist can do so within the context of the application in a meaninful way. In the late 1990s there was an attempt to compile images for scientists, similar to popular clip art CDs. The fact that this idea was even considered was the result of the inability of most scientists to do more than their traditional numerical simulations.

In this class we attempt to link the worlds of simulation, visual-data-analysis, and multimedia by emphasizing the use of distributed resources over the network.

Objective:
Transfer images of various physical phenomena created on UNIX workstations in the SMVC to Mac and PC-Windows computers in the Multimeda Lab where QuickTime movies are created and used in multimedia presentations.

Procedures:    NOTE: Highlighted italic text denotes user response.
C. Transferring files UNIX<->Macintosh using MacSFTP

  • If you are working on a Macintosh computer that has MacSFTP software installed, you can transfer files by using a mouse select-drag-and-drop interface.

    1. To start MacSFTP, from the Apple Menu choose Applications->SSH_SFTP->MacSFTP->MacSFTP. You will see on the monitor a menu, similar to the one shown below.

    2. You must next supply the required information in all of the fields, except the path which is optional.

      Simply mouse select-drag-and-drop files from or into the MacSFTP window.

    Click image to return to Visualization home page.
    R.D. Kriz
    Virginia Tech
    College of Engineering
    Revised 01/10/03

    http://www.sv.vt.edu/classes/ESM4714/exercises/exer4/exer4.html