Using the /tmp and /scratch partitions

CETS-managed Linux workstations include two partitions for storing temporary files. These partitions are provided for situations when storing files in your home directory is not appropriate, either due to quota constraints or because the files are not needed long-term.

/tmp

Use /tmp for short-lived files, such as those used by a single process and removed when the process exits. /tmp is automatically cleaned out so that there is always enough space for routine operation.

/scratch

Use /scratch for longer-term temporary local storage on your desktop. /scratch is like /tmp, but is not automatically cleaned. If we replace your hardware or reimage your disk, we will not preserve the contents of /scratch.

• /scratch is intended for local copies of files that you have stored elsewhere, or that you can recreate.
• /scratch is not backed up.

For more information on home directory disk space and quota, see How much quota (disk space) do I have?.