Accounts

The SSCC provides Lab Accounts to graduate students in the University's Social Science Division and Arts and Humanities Division, plus anyone taking a class that uses the SSCC's computer labs. A Lab Account allows you to use the SSCC's computer labs and Winstat, the SSCC's Windows Remote Desktop Services farm, but does not give you access to the SSCC's Linux servers.

If you have not yet received an SSCC Lab Account, you can request an account online.

Winstat

Winstat is the SSCC's Windows Remote Desktop Services farm. Winstat allows you to log in remotely and run programs on the server, with full access to the SSCC network and the statistical software you need. You can also use it to transfer files between your computer and the network. This makes Winstat a convenient alternative to coming into the lab.

To use Winstat you'll need to download and install a small, free client program. Our Knowledge Base article Using Winstat has instructions.

Network Drives

The SSCC provides a very large amount of network disk space for our users. This space is secure, available from any location and backed up every night. We strongly recommend that you save all files related to your research work or SSCC-supported class on the network.

The  U:  drive is your "home directory." This is a private space where you can store your files. The  X:  drive is for project directories. If you need to share files with your class or research group, there will be a folder for that group on the  X:  drive.

The  Y:  drive is temporary space. You can use it if you need a lot of disk space for a brief period, or to quickly share files with people who are not part of an official "project." However, you should keep in mind that  files on the Y: drive are not secure, are not backed up, and are removed after 30 days. 

Printing

All students can use the printers in the Van Hise InfoLab. More printing locations can be found on DoIT’s printing for students page.

Learning More

While your instructor will be your primary source of information, you may find the SSCC Knowledge Base useful. Article topics range from basics like logging into Winstat  to general introductions like Stata for Students or Data Wrangling in  Stata,  R, or  Python, to specific topics like making bar graphs and mixed models  .

We also offer training classes each semester which are free to those with SSCC lab accounts, including both introductions to statistical software and workshops on statistical topics. These classes go into much more depth than the brief introduction to the software given in most statistical courses and could make applying what you learn in class much easier. Visit our training page to see the schedule and register for classes.

Getting Help

If you are having trouble logging in or using your account, the SSCC Help Desk can assist you. The Help Desk is available 9AM-12PM and 1PM-4PM. You can contact the Help Desk by emailing helpdesk@ssc.wisc.edu, calling 608-262-9917 or stopping by 4226 Sewell Social Sciences Building.

Undergraduates with lab accounts can get help from the SSCC's statistical consultants for class work related to their class that uses SSCC facilities. Graduate students with lab accounts can get help with both classwork and research. Visit our statistical consulting page for information about how to get in touch with them.