SSHFS allows you to mount directories from SeaWulf on your local machine over SSH. This lets you access, edit, and manage remote files as if they were stored locally, without needing a dedicated file transfer program.
Using SSHFS on Linux and macOS
Installation
On Linux: Install SSHFS from your package manager:
sudo apt install sshfs
or
sudo yum install sshfs
On macOS: Install both "FUSE for macOS" and "SSHFS" from the osxfuse website: https://osxfuse.github.io/
Mounting Directories
Create an empty directory to use as the mount point:
mkdir ~/ssh_mnt
Mount your SeaWulf directories with the following command:
sshfs -o reconnect,auto_cache <username>@login.seawulf.stonybrook.edu:<path> <mount_point>
You'll be prompted for your SeaWulf password. After authentication, the remote path will be accessible at your local mount point.
Unmounting
When you're finished, unmount the directory with:
fusermount -u <mount_point>
or
sudo umount <mount_point>
Note: If you get an error like "Transport endpoint not connected", unmount the directory and try mounting again.
Using SFTPNetDrive on Windows
Installation
On Windows, use SFTPNetDrive, which is free for non-commercial use and provides similar functionality.
Mounting Directories
After installing SFTPNetDrive, enter your SeaWulf login credentials. Your home directory will be mounted at a new drive letter.
Accessing Directories Outside Home
To access files outside your home directory (such as your scratch directory), configure SFTPNetDrive to mount the root directory:
- Open the Advanced Settings
- Go to the Drive tab
- Configure the root mount point
When mounted this way, your home directory will be at (drive letter):\gpfs\home\[homedir], allowing you to navigate to other areas on gpfs like your scratch directory.