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Welcome to the user guide for the SPACe Analytical Workbench

Note

This is a living document. Things may change as the service evolves, and some parts of the documentation may be incomplete.

This document is a guide to accessing and utilising the SPACe Analytical Workbench (AWB) service.

The Analytical Workbench contains virtual machines (VMs) hosted within the Edinburgh International Data Facility (EIDF). Each virtual machine is designed to enable flexible and secure public sector data analysis. Currently the service is only available to public sector employees.

VMs are computers that you access through a web browser. They act like physical computers but use virtual devices to provide the same functionality as physical hardware. VMs get CPU and memory, video cards, access to storage, and network connectivity from the hosts they run on.

Operating Systems

VMs have guest operating systems to run software. The AWB allows users to choose between two types of operating system for their projects to be run on:

  • Ubuntu 20 Linux VM with desktop interface and SSH command line connections
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2019

Security

The AWB has a range of security processes to protect the projects using it. These processes include project segregation, account controls, and internet firewall allow lists.

The AWB can only be accessed through multi-factor authentication and by computers connecting through approved institutional networks (organisation VPNs).

Projects can be set up in one of three security zones, depending on the information governance required by the project. For more information, see "Security zones."

It is also the responsibility of each user to ensure that security of their project is maintained. We strongly discourage account sharing and emphasize the following:

  • DO NOT use another person's account, nor allow other people to use your accounts, except by agreement of the SPACe helpdesk.
  • DO keep your passwords confidential, and inform us if someone else learns any of them.
  • DO contact the SPACe helpdesk if you become aware that the security of the AWB has been compromised in any way.

Feedback

The Workbench is considered to be a stable production ready service. If you identify any problems or issues, please feed this back to us so we can improve the service for others, by contacting the SPACe helpdesk.