Setting Up Accounts for The Data Mine

Welcome to The Data Mine! To get started, you need to set up a few accounts. These accounts give you access to Anvil, a powerful computer you will use for your projects.

Please follow these four steps carefully. If you have trouble at any point, you can jump to the help section at the bottom of this page.

  1. Create an ACCESS Account

  2. Join The Data Mine Hub (TDM Hub)

  3. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

  4. Log In to Anvil and Start a Server

Step 1: Create an ACCESS Account

First, you need an account with ACCESS. ACCESS manages the Anvil computer.

To create a new account, go to this website: identity.access-ci.org/new-user

Dr. Ward suggests you use the Firefox browser on a computer for this step.

This video shows you how to create your account.

Step 2: Join The Data Mine Hub (TDM Hub)

Next, you must connect your ACCESS account to The Data Mine. You will use a tool called The Data Mine Hub (TDM Hub) for this.

  1. Wait for an Invitation Email

    Check your university email for a message from [email protected]. The subject will be "Invitation to The Data Mine Hub". This email has a special link for you to join.

    What if I do not get an email?

    First, check your spam or junk folder. If you are at Purdue, try checking the Quarantine as well.

    • Purdue students: You must first register for a TDM course, and wait a day before you will receive an invite. If you have done this, please submit a ticket using the "The Data Mine Request" button on our Services page.

    • Non-Purdue students: Be sure to check the email you gave to The Data Mine staff. If you are still not receiving the email after checking spam and any other filtering system at your institution, please submit a ticket by emailing [email protected] with a detailed description of what you are experiencing, and what you’ve tried.

  2. Accept the Invitation

    Click the link in the email. A web page will open. Click the button to accept the invitation.

    A screenshot of the TDM Hub invitation page, showing a welcome message and a button to accept the invitation.
    Figure 1. TDM Hub Invitation Screen

  3. Log In to the Hub

    After you accept, you will get a second email. This email contains a login link. Click this link to enter the TDM Hub. You do not need a password.

  4. Complete Your Checklist

    Inside the TDM Hub, you will see a checklist. You must complete all the items. The goal is to make each checklist item turn green. This shows us you have provided all the needed information. The page updates automatically as you complete the steps.

    A screenshot of the TDM Hub dashboard. It shows a checklist of items like 'ACCESS Username Provided' and 'Email Verified'. Some items are red (incomplete) and some are green (complete).
    Figure 2. TDM Hub Checklist

This video shows you an example of the TDM Hub login process.

Step 3: Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

To keep your account safe, you must set up two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds a second login step using your phone.

  1. Go to the Anvil login page: notebook.anvilcloud.rcac.purdue.edu

  2. Click the "Login" button.

  3. Use your ACCESS username and password (not your Purdue username and password).

The website will show you how to set up 2FA with an app on your phone.

The video below shows you the steps to login to DataMine Notebook.

Step 4: Log In to Anvil and Start a Server

After you set up 2FA, you can log in to Anvil.

When you log in, you will see "Server Options". Please choose Datamine Notebook.

A screenshot of the Anvil server options page, with the 'Datamine Notebook' option selected.
Figure 3. Anvil Server Option Screenshot

You will do your work on a laptop computer. A tablet (like an iPad or Galaxy Tab) will not work as well. Your laptop does not need to be new or powerful. You only need it to log in to the Anvil computer.

Do You Need Help?

If you have problems with any of these steps, we are here to help.

We look forward to working with you this year!

Dr. Ward and The Data Mine Team