Open Access PCs consist of the devices provided by Information Services in the areas known as Open Access Labs. These are computers are purchased by Information Services using funds provided by the University for the Open Access Labs. These labs are located throughout the University with large numbers located in the Main Library and are available for any University of Edinburgh staff or student from any school.

The computers provide a superset of commonly provided teaching and learning applications as well as productivity applications such as Office. 

There is a mature governance model that approves changes to ensure that there is a stable and known environment ususally in place for the entire academic year. 

The service provides access to secure storage space. Users may choose to store their files using University provided local storage and/or in the cloud using services provided by Microsoft.

Usage is governed by the University's Computing Regulations which users accept at login.