Getting Started Guide for Windows HPC Server 2008 R2

Updated: August 2010

Applies To: Windows HPC Server 2008 R2

This guide provides basic conceptual information and general procedures for installing a high performance computing cluster using Windows® HPC Server 2008 R2.

For detailed deployment information and step-by-step procedures, see the Design and Deployment Guide for Windows HPC Server 2008 R2. Also, to learn about late-breaking issues and other important information about this release of Windows HPC Server 2008 R2, review the Release Notes for Windows HPC Server 2008 R2.

Note

You can configure your HPC cluster for high availability by installing the head node in the context of a failover cluster. If the server that is acting as the head node fails, the other server in the failover cluster automatically begins acting as the head node (through a process known as failover). For more information about running an HPC cluster with failover clustering, see the Configuring Failover Clustering Step-by-Step Guide (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=194691).

Sections in this guide

This guide contains the following sections:

• Checklist: Deploy an HPC Cluster (Overview)

• Step 1: Prepare for Your Deployment

• Step 2: Deploy the Head Node

• Step 3: Complete the Deployment To-do List

• Step 4: Validate your Environment Before Deploying Nodes

• Step 5: Add Nodes to the Cluster

• Additional Resources