> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://doane-ccla.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://doane-ccla.gitbook.io/docs/using-the-hpc/prerequisites.md).

# Prerequisites

To properly utilize HPC Condos, you will need a couple of utilities loaded on your local machine. These utilities are free and widely used for this type of application.

* Required: **SSH client**
* Recommended: **Bash terminal**

## MacOS and Linux

Both macOS and Linux distributions include a Bash terminal and an SSH client by default. No additional software should be required to access HPC Condos.

## Windows Users

Windows does not have a native SSH client or a native Bash terminal. A few solutions are linked below.

* Option 1: [PuTTY](http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/) - SSH client and Bash environment for Windows.
* Option 2: [MobaXterm](https://mobaxterm.mobatek.net/) - A generally friendly client with automatic X-11 forwarding and built-in FTP interface.
* Option 3: [Git Bash](https://git-scm.com/download/win) – Part of the Git for Windows environment includes Git Bash, which provides a light weight ssh client.
* Option 4: [Cygwin](http://www.cygwin.com) – If you wish to have Bash-style functions on your Windows machine, then you should consider installing Cygwin, which ports the Portable Operating System Interface (POSIX) system calls and environment to Windows.