Compute Cluster Software Requirements

Applies To: Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003

This section outlines the software requirements for Microsoft® Windows® Compute Cluster Server 2003.

Operating system

The following operating systems are compatible with Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003:

Head and compute node

The Microsoft Compute Cluster Pack must be installed on a supported operating system. The supported operating systems are the same for both head node and compute nodes, and include:

  • Microsoft® Windows Server™ 2003, Compute Cluster Edition

  • Microsoft® Windows Server™ 2003, Standard x64 Edition

  • Microsoft® Windows Server™ 2003, Enterprise x64 Edition

  • Microsoft® Windows Server™ 2003 R2, Standard x64 Edition

  • Microsoft® Windows Server™ 2003 R2, Enterprise x64 Edition

For an overview of Microsoft 64-bit operating systems, see Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions Product Overview (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=63899).

Remote workstation computer

The Compute Cluster Administrator and the Compute Cluster Job Manager are installed on the head node by default. If you install the client utilities on a remote workstation, an administrator can manage clusters from that workstation. If you install the Compute Cluster Administrator or Job Manager on a remote computer, the computer must have one of the following operating systems installed:

  • Microsoft® Windows Server™ 2003, Compute Cluster Edition

  • Microsoft® Windows Server™ 2003, Standard x64 Edition

  • Microsoft® Windows Server™ 2003, Enterprise x64 Edition

  • Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition

  • Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional with Service Pack 2 (SP2)

  • Microsoft® Windows Server™ 2003 with Service Pack 1 (SP1), Standard Edition, x32-based

  • Microsoft® Windows Server™ 2003 with Service Pack 1 (SP1), Enterprise Edition, x32-based

  • Microsoft® Windows Server™ 2003 R2, Standard Edition

  • Microsoft® Windows Server™ 2003 R2, Standard x64 Edition

  • Microsoft® Windows Server™ 2003 R2, Enterprise Edition

  • Microsoft® Windows Server™ 2003 R2, Enterprise x64 Edition

Active Directory

Active Directory® directory service is a central component of the Windows platform that provides the means to manage the identities and relationships that make up network environments. Active Directory stores information about objects on a network and makes this information available to users and network administrators. Active Directory gives network users access to permitted resources anywhere on the network using a single logon process. It provides network administrators with an intuitive, hierarchical view of the network and a single point of administration for all network objects. Active Directory is required for Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003.

It is strongly recommended that you join the cluster to an existing Active Directory domain. If there is no existing Active Directory domain, we encourage you to set one up, particularly if you are installing multiple clusters or plan to add more clusters in the future. If you are unable to set up a network-wide Active Directory forest, or if you want to test the cluster in an isolated state before joining it to an existing domain, the head node can be made a domain controller of new domain in a new forest.

Important

Because of the administrative complexities involved, the head node-as-domain controller solution is not recommended except for test purposes or unless there is absolutely no other option. For more information, see Compute Cluster Network Requirements.

For more information about Active Directory, see Microsoft Networking Resources.

Remote Installation Services (optional)

If your compute cluster is configured using a dedicated private network, you can completely install the operation system and the Compute Cluster Pack on a node then add it to the cluster (with Pending Approval status) by using the Automated Addition method. This method depends on Remote Installation Services (RIS). Using the Automated Addition method of installing nodes is optional.

RIS is installed by means of the Compute Cluster Administrator snap-in, and requires the original operating system CD or access to the source media. Using RIS within Compute Cluster Server 2003 requires the RIS hotfix to be installed. This hotfix modifies the RIS model to support the deployment of compute nodes on the private network.

In addition, RIS requires DHCP services to be installed and configured for RIS to work. The DHCP server must be authorized by domain administrators in order to start. The RIS hotfix allows RIS on the head node to start without having to run on an authorized DHCP server. The RIS Beta update will enable RIS to start only on a private network, not on your organizational (public) network. This ensures that computers on the public network are not accidentally reimaged.

Required hotfixes and prerequisites

Compute Cluster Pack Setup requires certain software prerequisites that must be installed before installation can succeed. The Setup program either installs or links to download sites for the prerequisite software. The prerequisites are a combination of Microsoft technologies and hotfixes that enable Compute Cluster Pack functionality.

On the head node, the required software is listed below, with links to download sites for the hotfixes and to Microsoft Management Console 3.0:

On a compute node, the required software is .NET Framework 2.0, installed as part of the Compute Cluster Server 2003 compute node installation process.

All software, particularly the hotfixes, can be installed on a head node before installing Compute Cluster Pack. If the head node also is a domain controller, installing the prerequisite software before installing Compute Cluster Pack is recommended, although not required before running Compute Cluster Pack Setup.

Note

Refer to Release Notes for Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 and Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 with Service Pack 1 for information about other hotfixes that might be required and how installing Service Pack 1 for CCS impacts preinstallation software requirements for this product.

See Also

Concepts

Microsoft Networking Resources