diff --git a/env.R b/env.R
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+# parameters widely re-used across the repo
+# here's why a project level .Rprofile should not be used for this job https://support.rstudio.com/hc/en-us/articles/360047157094-Managing-R-with-Rprofile-Renviron-Rprofile-site-Renviron-site-rsession-conf-and-repos-conf
+
+repoParams <- list() # params holder as a list. Sooooo much easier with tab complete
+
+# Location ----
+# attempt to guess the platform & user
+repoParams$info <- Sys.info()
+repoParams$sysname <- repoParams$info[[1]]
+repoParams$nodename <- repoParams$info[[4]]
+repoParams$login <- repoParams$info[[6]]
+repoParams$user <- repoParams$info[[7]]
+
+message("You're ", repoParams$user, " using " , repoParams$sysname, " on ", repoParams$nodename)
+message("Hopefully that's what you expected...")
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