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Using R in Secure VMs in tiCrypt

· 2 min read
Thomas Samant

R is an indispensable tool for statistical computing and graphics, employed across a wide range of sectors. For users of tiCrypt, managing R in offline virtual machines (VMs) is essential to comply with security protocols while maintaining essential functionality. Here’s how to manage R libraries locally and through NFS mounts.

General Instructions for tiCrypt Users​

Operating R in offline mode requires handling libraries and packages locally or from a network file system (NFS) mount when direct internet access is not available.

Installing R Packages Locally:​

  1. Download Packages: On an internet-enabled machine, download the R package files (typically .tar.gz files) from CRAN or other repositories.
  2. Transfer to VM: Transfer these downloaded package files to your tiCrypt VM through approved secure methods.
  3. Install Locally: Install the packages from the local files using the following command in R:
    install.packages(path_to_file, repos = NULL, type = "source")
    Replace path_to_file with the path to your downloaded package file.

Installing from an NFS Mount:​

If a CRAN repository is mirrored on an NFS accessible to your VM, you can install packages directly from there, bypassing the need for local file transfers:

  1. Set Library Location: Specify the library location to your NFS mount where the CRAN mirror resides:
    .libPaths("file:///path_to_cran_mirror")
    Replace path_to_cran_mirror with the actual NFS mount path to the CRAN repository.
  2. Install Packages: Install the R packages using the following command:
    install.packages("[PACKAGE_NAME]", repos=NULL, type="source")
    Replace [PACKAGE_NAME] with the actual name of the R package you want to install.

Specific Guidelines for Citadel Users​

In the Citadel environment, RStudio is easily accessible from the applications toolbar, and specific embedded instructions simplify the package installation process:

Installing R Packages in Citadel:​

  1. Access R or RStudio: Launch R or RStudio from the applications toolbar.
  2. Set Library Location: Use this command to direct R to the NFS mount where the CRAN repository is mirrored:
    .libPaths("file:///mnt/modules/cran/src/contrib")
  3. Install Packages: Install your desired packages with either of the following commands, depending on whether the global library path has been set:
    install.packages("[PACKAGE_NAME]", repos = NULL, type = "source")
    Or specify the contriburl directly:
    install.packages("[PACKAGE_NAME]", contriburl="file:///mnt/modules/cran2/src/contrib", type = "source")

R Startup Message:​

For Citadel users, the R startup message includes instructions on installing packages, ensuring you have the necessary steps readily available.