Before diving in, you should take a look at these short videos on using SAS: SAS Videos
At JMU you can access two different ways: SAS in the Cloud (OnDemand) or in the lab.
Using SAS in the Cloud
Use SAS OnDemand for Academics. At this site, you will create your a SAS profile. To do so, you will need to use your .edu email because the access is for academics only. You will then register. Once your registration is confirm, you can log into SAS Studio.
SAS OnDemand for Academics provides cloud access to SAS for students using the SAS Studio platform. You can set up your account as an “Independent Learner” or as a “Student”. We suggest that you set up as an “Independent Learner” using your JMU email. It is not necessary to use the “Student” option unless your professor instructs you to do so. Once you have an account, you can access the software on line. To learn the basics of SAS, we suggest you watch these videos and then take the free e-learning course SAS Programming 1.
Linkedin Learning has links to SAS course videos
SAS Programming 1: Essentials this is a 14 hour self-paced course that provides a good demonstrations of using SAS. Don’t be put off by the length. Sign up for the course and work your way through the first few lessons. This on-line course is free.
Using the Import Data Utility in SAS Studio
Using SAS installed on a PC
SAS is installed on PC computers in most Labs on JMU’s campus (Showker, Burrus, Godwin, …). In the Lab, you launch SAS from the Start menu. You will find it under the S programs. Make sure to launch SAS 9.4 (English) and not any of the other SAS options.
You can install SAS on your own computer by going through a number of steps using your JMU E-ID. Click here. FYI: the program is very large and requires a very fast PC computer. It generally does NOT work on a Apple mac ios.
Using SAS on a PC, either in the lab or on your own computer, is referred to as SAS Windowing Environment. It looks a lot like SAS Studio. Watch this video for a brief introduction.
Getting Started with SAS Windowing Environment