Academic Cloud Help
Account
Who can use these services?
Every member of participating institutions can use the Academic Cloud services. To do so, please select the federated login, choose your institute and log on with your institute credentials. You will then be forwarded to the Academic Cloud main page.
Chat and Collaborate
Access
To use the service it is necessary to log in with you valid institution credentials to AcademicCloud.
Installation
Web-Access
The service is available via web interface. The usage of the browsers Internet Explorer or Edge is not recommended (according to our experiences).
Client Access
The service can be used via client. Current clients are available at https://rocket.chat/install
Manage
Create a channel: Every user of the service can create their own channels. For this purpose, there is a button at the top of the navigation area that represents a pen on a piece of paper. If you click on this symbol and select “Channel”, a form opens where you can make the settings for the new channel.
Code Repository
Access
To use the service it is necessary to log in with you valid institution credentials to AcademicCloud. Every user can create, manage projects or groups. Users outside of these institutions can be invited to existing projects.
Installation
If you use the web interface no installation is needed. Log in with your institutional credentials and start with creating your (new) project.
Web Access
Web interface
Client Access
Manage
TERMINOLOGY Project: A project is the virtual working environment or area for a defined task. A user can create several projects. Among other things, the associated files can be stored in the project and the work can be planned and distributed. A Wiki for publishing documentation is also available. If a new project is created, all GitLab functions are activated (see also fig. 1 and 2). Functions that are not needed can be deactivated.
Layout Latex Documents
Access
To use the service it is necessary to log in with you valid institution credentials to AcademicCloud.
Installation
ShareLaTeX (Overleaf) is an installation of the typesetting system LaTeX on servers, useable through a modern browser without the need to install software locally. This follows the examples of services like Google Docs or Microsoft Office 365.
Web-Access
You can enter the service via the web interface
Client Access
For this service is no client available.
Manuals
Sync & Share User Manual
You can read the official manual for the ownCloud service online or download is as PDF.
Repository User Manual
You can read the official manual for the GitLab service online.
LaTeX Documents User Manual
You can read the official manual for the ShareLatex service online.
OnlyOffice
The OnlyOffice plugin enables collaborative online editing of Office documents (text documents, spreadsheets, or presentations) within the Academic Cloud web interface. OnlyOffice can be started simply by clicking on Office files in the web view at sync.academiccloud.com. In addition to the functions familiar to users of other Office products, the following additional features are available here:
collaborative editing of files in 2 modes (fast and formal) in the “Collaboration” menu chat between collaborators comment feature Detailed user guides and video tutorials are available online from the developer.
Persistent Identifier
Access
To use the service it is necessary to log in with you valid institution credentials to AcademicCloud.
Installation
Web-Access
You can enter the service via the web interface
Client Access
Manage
Share
Groups
Preferences
…
User manual(s)
FAQs
Registration
Before the service can be used, initial registration is necessary. Note: During the first login, a new account is created with the GWDG, the operator of the Academic Cloud. This can take up to three minutes.
Start a browser of your choice and go to www.academiccloud.de.
Click on “Login.” Enter your university email address (NOT your mail alias, but your MAIL ADDRESS, i.e. “username”@uni-hildesheim.de) and press Enter or click on “Login”. Select your institution and click “Continue registration” if necessary. You will now be redirected to the login pages of your institution. Enter your university login credentials and press Enter or click “Login”. You will be redirected to the Academic Cloud pages. Here, please click on the cloud icon indicating the remaining storage space. A new tab with your file view will open - the initial login is now complete.
Research Data Repository
Access
To use the service it is necessary to log in with you valid institution credentials to AcademicCloud.
Installation
Users do not have to install anything while using the web-interface.
Web-Access
Here is the link to the web interface.
Client Access
Manage
Once you logged in, you can create either a new “dataverse” (a data collection) or a “dataset” (which is a package containing a metadata section, and arbitrary number of files) by clicking the “Add Data” button. By default the new dataverse or dataset will be created in the root dataverse, but from the create form you can use the “Host Dataverse” dropdown menu to choose a different Dataverse for which you have the proper access privileges. Attention: You will not be able to change this selection after you create your dataverse or dataset. Upload then any type of quantitative or qualitative data (in any format). The “dataverses” contain one or more datasets. The “My Data” section of you account page displays a listing of all the dataverses, datasets, and files you have either created, uploaded or that you have a role assigned to.
Sync and Share
Access
To use the service it is necessary to log in with you valid institution credentials to AcademicCloud.
Installation
Web-Access
You can use the service very easily via the web interface
Behavioural rules
Client Access
You can download the desktop client for your operating system from owncloud.org and install it. For instructions on how to install and work with the desktop client, see the online manual for the client. Apps for mobile devices (Android and iOS) are also available on owncloud.org.
Video Conferencing
Access
To use the service it is necessary to log in with you valid institution credentials to AcademicCloud.
Installation
Web-Access
You can enter the service via the web interface
Behavioural rules
Mute your microphone after entering a room. Only activate your microphone when you are about to say something. This drastically reduces noise during a session. Keyboard shortcut: Alt+Shift+M Only activate your camera if it is required. Especially in large groups, processing multiple live images can become a problem for the performance of your or other users’ devices. It is expected that you respect social courtesies (be polite!). Communication is supposed to be constructive, appreciative and respectful. This also encompasses you not showing up in your pyjama or underwear, but rather in appropriate clothing.