Managed virtual machines

Managed virtual machines provide computational resources to speed up research analyses, facilitate innovative methods, support long-running tasks, or free up your desktop or laptop to do other activities.

Managed virtual machines are available, for free, to staff and doctoral candidates.

Staff and doctoral candidates can request a managed virtual machine via a consultation. Other postgraduate students or collaborators need their Principal Investigator or supervisor to request a consult on their behalf.

• Automatic security and software updates.
• User access and initial software setup is managed by the Centre for eResearch (CeR).
• Access to Windows or Linux environments.

• Managed virtual machines do not currently have access to GPUs.
• To avoid data loss, all data should be backed up on a Research Drive.
• You will need to arrange IT access for external collaborators.

An initial consultation will be used to:

• Confirm that a managed virtual machine is right for you by understanding the nature of the work you're doing.
• Select appropriate hardware settings (CPU and RAM).
• Understand your software requirements (operating system, preinstalled software).
• Determine appropriate user access and permissions.
• Establish data storage requirements (typically via an associated Research Drive).

User privileges

Users are given access to a managed virtual machine by being added to one of two user groups:

• vmadmin: administrative privileges, including the ability to install software
• vmuser: standard user privileges

Access a managed VM from off-campus

1. Set up two-factor authentication (2FA).
2. Install and configure VPN software to access the University network.
3. Access the virtual machine with either:
   1. Windows - remote desktop, or
   2. Linux - command-line through ssh or via a graphical desktop environment through X2Go.

By using Centre for eResearch (CeR) services, you agree to:

• Only use these services for the purpose of undertaking research*, commonly in association with a specific research project or programme
  *Projects that have a commercial component may have to be hosted on a separately licensed service.
• Undertake security maintenance on specific services where appropriate (e.g. patching on Nectar Cloud Virtual Machines)
• Work with CeR to review service settings (e.g. virtual machine allocation or storage option) each year, or as required by a particular service, to ensure efficient and sustainable use
• Participate in an annual user survey and provide details of research outputs supported by your use of CeR services
• Comply with the University’s IT Acceptable Use Policy and IT Security Policy
  

Application

The CeR acceptable use applies to:

• All members of the University community whether at the University or elsewhere
• Services that CeR provides, directly or indirectly through internal partners (e.g. Connect) and external partners (e.g. NeSI)

Eligibility

CeR services are available to doctoral students and University staff for the purposes of undertaking research, commonly a specific research project.

Suspension or withdrawal of services

Service users should expect email correspondence from CeR regarding specific requirements of acceptable use (e.g. service review or need for security maintenance). Failure to abide by these terms and specific requirements may result in a suspension of service followed by a withdrawal of service.

Centre for eResearch