Winter Tech Update
The SSCC implemented our Winter Tech update on 1/8/2022. Alongside the usual updates for all of our servers and software, we are excited to announce that the web version of Visual Studio Code (VSCode) is now available on Winstat. VSCode is a very popular editor for writing source code in many languages.
SSCC VPN to Require Duo Authentication
Starting this February, the SSCC will require the use of multifactor authentication (MFA) via Duo to access the SSCC network via VPN. Duo is the same MFA system you use for your NetID. Computers on VPN have direct access to SSCC resources, bypassing some security measures, so it’s important only authorized users be able to use it. We encourage you to set up your SSCC account in Duo now, so you’ll be ready to go when it becomes a requirement in February. You can do so at the SSCC’s Duo MFA portal. If you use Silo, you have already set up Duo and do not have to do so for VPN. More details will be announced before the change is implemented.
Export Data from Silo Using Globus
As of Wednesday, January 19th, Globus users will be able to export data from Silo by putting it in a special GlobusExport folder. Using Globus to Move Data In and Out of Silo has instructions.
Project owners, if you asked us to restrict use of the silosync folder we will put the same restrictions on GlobusExport for your project. Contact the Help Desk if you’d like any additional restrictions put in place.
Spring Training
SSCC’s spring training begins with a round of Stata, R, and Python classes starting on January 18th. These classes will be held online so you can attend even if you won’t be back in Madison yet. We’re seeing too many graduate students try to start doing research only to find they don’t have the skills to work with real-world data—let us help you learn those skills before you need them!
Use Stat/Transfer Only if You Need It
Stat/Transfer is a very handy program that can convert data files to and from a wide variety of formats. Unfortunately, it has also become very expensive, with the cost depending on the total number of people who use it (even opening it once counts). Most of the major statistical packages can now read files created by most of the other major statistical packages, and all of them have better tools for reading text files than Stat/Transfer. Doing those conversions in your normal statistical package also makes it easier to keep your work reproducible. Please help reduce costs for everyone by using Stat/Transfer only if you need to read a data file in an obscure format, automate the creation of data files in a variety of formats, or have some other need for its unique capabilities.
Data Science Research Bazaar
UW-Madison’s Data Science Hub is hosting its third annual Data Science Research Bazaar, focused on the theme of Data and Communities: Sharing and Protecting Data. This event will be held virtually throughout February. The Research Bazaar will include lightning talks and interactive discussions on a variety of topics relating to how communities use and are impacted by data, and workshops focused on tools and resources including RStudio Connect, Jupyter Notebooks, and the Hathi Trust Digital Library. In addition, it will feature a career panel and an exhibit of art relating to science and technology.
The Data Science Research Bazaar is an inclusive, community-building event at UW-Madison for researchers, data scientists, entrepreneurs, and community members, including students. While there is no cost to attend, pre-registration is required. View the full schedule and register here.
UW-Madison’s Data Science Research Bazaar is modeled off the international Research Bazaar, a worldwide festival that promotes digital literacy in research and aims to equip researchers with digital skills and tools to do their work more efficiently.