Aging Servers
The NBER provides computing environment in which it hosts many sensitive data. The set of servers within this environment is informally known as the "Aging Computing Cluster." These are Linux based multi-user servers with varying CPU, and memory capacity. The current set of servers are named:
age1.nber.org ... age17.nber.org
agesas1.nber.org ... agesas3.nber.org (for sas only)
You can run Stata, R, python, SAS, Octave, C++, FORTRAN, Perl etc on these servers. MS Word, Excel compatible software is available via openoffice.org. Many text editors such as vi, emacs, gnome text editor, vscode are also available.
Evolving requirements from data providers such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services require the NBER to prevent any accidental export of sensitive data. The NBER has placed significant restrictions on how you can access the Aging servers.
A quick start guide is given below, and there is a full explanation of the restrictions and reasoning behind them in the Aging Network Explanation section.
Quick Start Guide
- To connect to the Aging network, you will need to have the FortiClient VPN active for the duration of your connection. You can learn how to set that up here.
- Once your VPN is connected, you can connect to the Aging RDP-Server via Remote Desktop connection.
You are now in the Aging network! Your remote desktop will be your main workspace within the Aging network, so here are some resources to help you use it most effectively:
- Introduction to the Gnome Desktop
- Connecting to the Aging Servers via SSH
- Running Software on the Aging Servers
- Moving Files into the Aging Network
Aging Network Explanation
The restrictions surrounding the Aging Network are designed to ensure that no data can be improperly removed from the network. To do this we have blocked all entry and exit points besides RDP connections. This includes blocking secure copy (scp) into and out of the servers, as well as blocking copy-pasting data into or out of a Remote Desktop session. You can still bring files into the Aging Network, although the process is a little roundabout. You can also get files out of the Aging network, but to do this you must request a data extraction from NBER IT staff.
For support, please email it-support@nber.org.