Using your U: Drive
Q. What is this data storage/Home Directory, and why should I use it?
A. Server space has been provided to house your personal data files. This data file space is accessed using the Home Directory, or U: Drive. It is a good idea to locate any important data you have in your Home Directory because files that you place there will automatically be backed up nightly. If your computer crashes, your important files are still safe on the server. If you log onto other computers anywhere on campus, your Home Directory will always be available.
Q. How do I get to it?
PC Users
A. When you log onto your campus or lab computer, drive letter U: is automatically mapped and available from within the My Computer Icon.
Mac Users
A. When you use your campus or lab computer, you can access your drive as an SMB share.
Q. How much space do I have?
A. Each Faculty/Staff member will have 5 GB of storage and each student will have 2 GB of storage.
Q. What happens if the network or server goes down?
PC Users
A. As you save files to your home directory, a process will automatically run that will also place a copy of your file on your hard drive. In the event of a network or server failure, you will still be able to access your Home Directory exactly the same way as if there were no problem. For this process to function correctly, you will begin to notice "Synchronization" messages each time you logon and logoff your computer. You will also notice that your files in your Home Directory are all marked with a small blue arrow on them indicating that the file will be available if something happens to the network or server.
Mac Users
A. Files are only accessible when a network is up. It is encouraged that you work off of your local computer and use the U: drive as a means to transfer important files for backup and for the ability to access from multiple locations.
Q. What kind of files can I place in my Home Directory?
A. This is your personal space and there are no restrictions on how you utilize it. However, the process that ensures the availability of your data in the event of a network or server failure does not allow the caching of database files. If you do save database files, you will see a synchronization error when you log on and log off your computer. Please be aware that this is for extra protection against data corruption in this type of files.
Q. Can others see my files?
A. No. The security settings on your Home directory permits only you to access it. Your home directory is considered your personal space. If you want to share your files, they can be housed on a different server.
Q. If I run out of space, can I have my quota increased?
A. Requests for increased quota can be made to the ITS Service Center. All requests should include justification for increased space.