Using the VDE
ICPSR computer staff configure University of Michigan accounts for each researcher on the project named as a VDE user in the online system. The researcher obtains the smartphone app from Duo Security for second-factor authentication needed at login (see Making a Request: FAQ #15 for details).
The researcher also downloads the required VMWare software and uses the provided documentation about the VDE access process and environment to log into the VDE. All researchers electronically sign a confidentiality pledge each time they access the VDE.
Researchers use the VDE within their project space as they would with their own desktop computer, e.g., create folders, run statistical programs, and edit documents.
All output for review is placed in a "DisclosureReview" folder and prepared according to the instructions in the vetting requirements document in this folder. Output can include Word tables, Excel spreadsheets, and graphics (preferred) or raw output from a statistical package (files and logs). Requests for output review are sent to nahdap-vde-support@umich.edu.