FastX

FastX#

FastX provides a full graphical desktop on a KLC node for software that requires a real X11 interface rather than a text terminal or code editor (MATLAB, Stata, SAS, and similar GUI-only applications).

For a browser-based graphical desktop with session tracking across nodes, see KLC OnDemand.

Prerequisites#

Connect via the Web Browser#

  1. Open a FastX URL for the KLC node you want to use:

    https://klc0202.quest.northwestern.edu:3300/
https://klc0203.quest.northwestern.edu:3300/
https://klc0301.quest.northwestern.edu:3300/
https://klc0302.quest.northwestern.edu:3300/
https://klc0303.quest.northwestern.edu:3300/
https://klc0304.quest.northwestern.edu:3300/
https://klc0305.quest.northwestern.edu:3300/
https://klc0306.quest.northwestern.edu:3300/
https://klc0307.quest.northwestern.edu:3300/
https://klc0401.quest.northwestern.edu:3300/
https://klc0402.quest.northwestern.edu:3300/
https://klc0503.quest.northwestern.edu:3300/

  2. Log in with your NetID and password.

  3. Click Launch Session and select the desktop environment or application.

  4. Work in the graphical session. Sessions started through the FastX web client persist after disconnect until you terminate them or the server restarts.

Choose a Node#

Each URL connects to a specific KLC node. Check the KLC Direct Access Resource Availability table on KLC Node Resources and pick a node with available CPU and RAM before launching FastX on that host. The same table appears on the KLC OnDemand landing page after you log in.

Reconnect to an Existing Session#

  1. Open the same FastX URL you used to create the session.

  2. Go to the My Sessions tab.

  3. Select the running session and reconnect.

Note

Unlike KLC OnDemand, FastX does not surface sessions across nodes. You must reconnect to the specific node where the session was launched. Record the node name (for example, klc0305) when starting long-running work.

Terminate a Session#

When you finish:

  1. Open My Sessions on the same node.

  2. Click Actions next to the session.

  3. Select Terminate.

Terminate idle sessions to free resources for other researchers.

Desktop Client#

FastX also offers a desktop client that can perform better than browser access. Setup instructions are in the Quest FastX documentation .

Troubleshooting#

Symptom

What to do

Browser cannot reach the server

Confirm the URL and port :3300; check network/VPN requirements

Session not listed in My Sessions

Verify you are logged in to the same node where you launched the session

Application window is slow to respond

Expected for X11 over the network; try the desktop client or KLC OnDemand for that app

Cannot move files to KLC

Use Transferring Files; FastX does not transfer files