This document will guide you through a few different scenarios on how to open, save, and use files inside of IBM SPSS Statistics.
IMPORTANT: For the best possible user experience, it is recommended to use the Knights Drive as your storage solution. For larger data sets, we have found that using the Downloads folder to run analyses provides better performance. If you use the Downloads folder, ensure you backup your file (ex. Knights Drive, UCF Email or Knights OneDrive. Read on for more details on how to do some of these common tasks!
**NOTE: This KB Article also has a companion video walk-through located here: https://youtu.be/dWhpQu2gn_g
Install UCF Apps
If you have not installed UCF Apps, we recommend using Citrix Workspace to access UCF Apps for the best performance and experience. You can follow the guide that best corresponds to your operating system (OS).
KB0011247 – How to install UCF Apps (Windows 10 – most browsers)
KB0012416 – How to install UCF Apps (MacOS)
KB0012662 – How to install UCF Apps (Chromebook)
KB0011242 – How to install UCF Apps on Android
KB0011250 – How to install UCF Apps on iOS (iPad, iPhone)
NOTE: You can use a web browser but for the best performance and experience, it is recommended to use Citrix Workspace to access UCF Apps.
Step 1 – Open Citrix Workspace and log in UCF Apps using your NID and your current NID password.
Step 2 – Confirm your identity with MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication).
NOTE: You have three options to authenticate:
(1) DUO Push – Easily confirm or deny through a DUO App (recommended).
(2) Call Me – Receive an automated phone call to confirm or deny.
(3) Passcode – Receive an automated text message with a one-time code to be entered.
(4) Security Key - These are hardware devices that you can tap to authenticate when prompted. They are available at our Technology Product Center for purchase.
For more information about MFA and DUO, please refer to KB0013205 – Multi-Factor Authentication General Knowledge and Common Questions.
Step 3 – Click on Apps > All Apps to see the list of all possible applications you have access to.
Step 4 – Click IBM SPSS Statistics icon in UCF Apps to open SPSS
NOTE: A black screen may appear while opening the application, this is normal. Allow the application to fully open. Loading time will vary depending on several factors, such as network connection and speed, and physical limitations of the device you are using.
You may encounter the following login screen. If so, please enter your current NID credentials.
Scenario 1 – Starting a file in UCF Apps and saving to Knights Drive
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR LARGE DATA SETS: If the file you are opening is a large data set and you wish to run an analysis on the data, we recommend to instead run the analysis directly form the downloads folder for optimal performance. Then, ensure any output is saved to either Knights’ Drive, emailed to yourself, or uploaded to OneDrive after you are finished running your analysis.
Step 1.1 – Open SPSS file
To open a file from Knights Drive, click File > Open > Data.
This brings up a window to select a location. Click on the drop down to expand the “Look in:” and scroll to find Desktop. Select Desktop.
Then, click on Knights Drive folder. Select the file you wish to open, then click Open.
Step 1.2 – Access SPSS data files from you instructor
Your instructor may direct you to open sample files for your class. To find these, follow the steps to normally open a file, then instead scroll to UCF Apps Sample Files (L:).
Double click on SPSS and navigate to your class folder. Then, click on the file you wish to open.
You can also use a sample data file on Webcourses@UCF and copy it to your Knights Drive. To do so, open a Webcourses in UCF Apps, login to your course, and download the file to the Knights Drive.
Step 1.3 – Save a SPSS file to Knights Drive
To save a file to Knights Drive, click File > Save As. This brings up a window to select a location. Click on the drop down to expand the “Look in:” and scroll to find Desktop. Then, select Knights Drive folder. Give your file a name, then click Save.
Step 1.4 – Verify save location
Once you have completed saving your file and before exiting UCF Apps Virtual Desktop, follow the steps to open the file from the Knights Drive. If you do not see the option to open your recently saved file, verify you have appropriately saved the file to the Knights Drive.
Scenario 2 – Downloading a file from UCF Email, saving to Downloads folder, and then copying to the Knights Drive
In the case you received a file on your UCF Email and need to work on it within UCF Apps, you will want to copy it to your Knights Drive.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR LARGE DATA SETS: If the file you are downloading is a large data set and you wish to run an analysis on the data, we recommend to instead run the analysis directly form the downloads folder for optimal performance. Then, ensure any output is saved to either Knights Drive, emailed to yourself, or uploaded to your OneDrive after you are finished running your analysis.
Step 2.1 – Log in UCF Email
Open UCF Email in UCF Apps. Then, sign into UCF Email using your NID credentials.
Step 2.2 – Download File
Navigate to the email containing the file. Click on More Actions icon in the bottom-right corner of the file, then click Download.
After the file finishes downloading, it will show as complete in either the bottom-left corner of a Chrome browser or the top-right corner of an Edge browser. By default, the file will be downloaded to the Downloads folder.
NOTE: This is NOT your computer’s Download folder. You must move the file to a different location, or the file may be automatically deleted upon exiting UCF Apps.
Step 2.3 – Copy File to Knights Drive
To copy the file to the desired location, click on to expand the available options. Then, click Show in folder.
This brings up a window showing the location of the downloaded file.
Right-click the file and select Copy. Click on Desktop in the left navigation menu.
Select Knights Drive folder. From there, navigate to the desired save location, then right-click inside of the directory and select Paste.
Scenario 3 – Downloading a file from Webcourses@UCF, saving to UCF Apps Downloads folder, and then copying to the Knights Drive
In most cases, if you need to access a file in your Webcourses and need to work on it within UCF Apps, you will want to copy it to your Knights Drive.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR LARGE DATA SETS: If the file you are downloading is a large data set and you wish to run an analysis on the data, we recommend to instead run the analysis directly form the downloads folder for optimal performance. Then, ensure any output is saved to either Knights Drive, emailed to yourself, or uploaded to your OneDrive after you are finished running your analysis.
Step 3.1 – Log in Webcourses
Open Webcourses within UCF Apps. Then, sign into Webcourses using your NID credentials.
Step 3.2 – Download File
Navigate to the course that has the file you wish to download. Your course should have a Files link in the left navigation panel.
Find the file you wish to download and click on . Then, click Download.
Step 3.3 – Copy File to Knights Drive
When the file is done downloading, it will appear as complete in either the bottom-left corner of a Chrome browser or top-right corner of an Edge browser. Right-click on the file, then click Show in folder.
This brings up a window showing the location of the downloaded file. By default, the file will be downloaded to the Downloads folder.
NOTE: This is NOT your computer’s Download folder. You must move the file to a different location, or the file may be automatically deleted upon exiting UCF Apps.
Right-click the file and select Copy. Click on Desktop in the left navigation menu.
Select Knights Drive folder. From there, navigate to the desired save location, then right-click inside of the directory and select Paste.
What about other locations?
There are other scenarios (personal storage, email, etc.) where data can be downloaded and used in UCF Apps. Simply go to where your files are stored, follow the instructions in Scenario 2 or 3 to download and use your files.
Still need assistance?
If you need further assistance, please reach out to UCF IT Support Center or the Student Support Desk in Technology Commons or Classroom 1 buildings.