Best Practices
This guide provides essential best practices for using sc.sb effectively, securely, and efficiently. Following these recommendations will help you get the most out of the platform while maintaining security and optimal performance.
Security Best Practices
Authentication and Access
Strong Authentication:
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) whenever available
- Use strong, unique passwords for your Azure AD account
- Never share your credentials with others
- Always sign out when finished, especially on shared computers
Access Management:
- Request only the access you actually need
- Regularly review your service access and permissions
- Report any suspicious account activity immediately
- Follow your organization's access management policies
Network Security
Secure Connections:
- Use recommended connection methods (Cloudflare WARP, sc Network)
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive operations
- Keep your network credentials secure
- Monitor your connection status regularly
Data Protection:
- Only access data you're authorized to see
- Don't download sensitive data to unsecured devices
- Report data breaches or security incidents
- Follow your organization's data handling policies
Performance Optimization
Connection Management
Optimal Connection Types:
- For Best Performance: Use sc Network or Cloudflare WARP
- For Reliability: Cloudflare WARP provides excellent stability
- For Local Access: Local/Wi-Fi Roaming works well for most use cases
- For Basic Access: External connection for initial setup only
Network Optimization:
- Use wired connections when possible for better stability
- Ensure your network has sufficient bandwidth
- Keep your connection software updated
- Monitor connection status regularly
Service Usage
Efficient Service Access:
- Check service status before starting projects
- Use services in your preferred region when possible
- Monitor service performance and availability
- Contact support for performance issues
Resource Management:
- Close unused services and applications
- Monitor your resource usage
- Use appropriate service types for your workload
- Optimize your workflows for better efficiency
User Experience Best Practices
Dashboard Navigation
Effective Dashboard Use:
- Regularly check service status and alerts
- Use the LaunchPad as your central hub for all activities
- Monitor your connection status and service availability
- Take advantage of real-time updates and notifications
Service Management:
- Organize your services by priority and usage
- Monitor service add-ons and additional features
- Keep track of service limitations and requirements
- Use service status information to plan your work
Mobile and Cross-Device Usage
Mobile Optimization:
- Use the responsive design features effectively
- Take advantage of touch-friendly interfaces
- Optimize for mobile-specific workflows
- Keep your mobile browser updated
Cross-Device Consistency:
- Use the same connection methods across devices
- Maintain consistent security practices
- Sync your preferences and settings
- Keep all devices updated and secure
Organizational Best Practices
For Administrators
Access Management:
- Implement regular access reviews and audits
- Follow the principle of least privilege
- Maintain clear documentation of access decisions
- Provide users with access management training
Security Management:
- Establish clear security policies and procedures
- Implement comprehensive monitoring and alerting
- Conduct regular security assessments
- Provide security awareness training
User Support:
- Provide clear documentation and training materials
- Establish effective support channels
- Monitor user feedback and issues
- Continuously improve user experience
For Organizations
Policy Development:
- Establish clear usage policies and guidelines
- Define roles and responsibilities
- Implement compliance and audit procedures
- Regular policy reviews and updates
Training and Education:
- Provide comprehensive user training
- Conduct regular security awareness sessions
- Share best practices and lessons learned
- Encourage knowledge sharing and collaboration
Service-Specific Best Practices
Storage Services
File Management:
- Organize files in logical folder structures
- Use descriptive file names and metadata
- Regular backup and version control
- Monitor storage usage and limits
Data Security:
- Encrypt sensitive data before upload
- Use appropriate access controls
- Regular data cleanup and archival
- Monitor data access and usage
Cluster Services
Job Management:
- Plan and optimize your computing jobs
- Use appropriate resource allocation
- Monitor job performance and efficiency
- Clean up completed jobs and temporary files
Resource Optimization:
- Use the right service type for your workload
- Optimize your code and algorithms
- Monitor resource usage and costs
- Share resources when appropriate
Media Services
Content Management:
- Optimize media files for your use case
- Use appropriate formats and compression
- Organize content with proper metadata
- Monitor bandwidth and storage usage
Streaming Optimization:
- Use appropriate streaming settings
- Monitor stream quality and performance
- Plan for peak usage times
- Optimize for your target audience
GPU Services
Workload Optimization:
- Use GPU services for appropriate workloads
- Optimize your code for GPU acceleration
- Monitor GPU usage and performance
- Clean up resources when finished
AI/ML Best Practices:
- Use pre-configured environments when possible
- Optimize your models and datasets
- Monitor training progress and performance
- Document your experiments and results
Monitoring and Maintenance
Regular Monitoring
Service Status:
- Check service status regularly
- Monitor for alerts and warnings
- Review service performance metrics
- Stay informed about maintenance windows
Account Management:
- Review your access and permissions regularly
- Monitor your usage and costs
- Check for account updates and changes
- Verify your contact information
Proactive Maintenance
System Updates:
- Keep your browser and operating system updated
- Update your connection software regularly
- Install security patches promptly
- Monitor for platform updates and new features
Data Management:
- Regular data cleanup and archival
- Monitor storage usage and limits
- Backup important data regularly
- Review and update access permissions
Collaboration and Communication
Team Collaboration
Effective Communication:
- Use appropriate communication channels
- Share knowledge and best practices
- Document processes and procedures
- Provide feedback and suggestions
Knowledge Sharing:
- Contribute to team knowledge bases
- Share lessons learned and solutions
- Participate in training and education
- Help others with their questions
Support and Help
Getting Help:
- Use self-service resources first
- Provide detailed information when requesting help
- Follow up on support requests
- Share solutions with your team
Providing Help:
- Help others when you can
- Share your knowledge and experience
- Contribute to documentation and guides
- Provide feedback to improve the platform
Compliance and Governance
Regulatory Compliance
Data Protection:
- Follow data protection regulations
- Implement appropriate data handling procedures
- Monitor data access and usage
- Maintain audit trails and documentation
Security Compliance:
- Follow security standards and frameworks
- Implement security controls and monitoring
- Conduct regular security assessments
- Maintain compliance documentation
Audit and Reporting
Regular Audits:
- Conduct regular access reviews
- Monitor usage and performance
- Review security and compliance
- Document findings and recommendations
Reporting:
- Provide regular status reports
- Document issues and resolutions
- Share metrics and analytics
- Report compliance and security status
Continuous Improvement
Learning and Development
Stay Informed:
- Keep up with platform updates and new features
- Participate in training and education
- Read documentation and best practices
- Join community discussions and forums
Skill Development:
- Develop expertise in relevant service areas
- Learn new tools and technologies
- Share knowledge with others
- Contribute to platform improvement
Feedback and Innovation
Provide Feedback:
- Share your experiences and suggestions
- Report issues and improvement opportunities
- Participate in user research and surveys
- Contribute to feature requests and ideas
Innovation:
- Explore new ways to use the platform
- Experiment with new features and capabilities
- Share innovative solutions and workflows
- Contribute to platform evolution
Next Steps
- Learn about [Account Setup and Management](account setup/account-setup.md)
- Understand Service Types and Capabilities
- Explore Connectivity Options
- Review Troubleshooting Common Issues
Following these best practices will help you use sc.sb effectively, securely, and efficiently. Remember that best practices evolve with the platform, so stay informed about updates and new recommendations.