File Storage Options

The Computing and Communications Center (CCC) provides a variety of means to store electronic files.
Below is a guide to the storage methods and the types of files for which they are intended.

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Location	Usage	Examples	Access / Security	Backup
Desktop Computer Hard Drive *(note)** (C: Drive)	Scratch space used for temporary storage Least dependable means of data storage	Saving e-mail attachments and internet downloads Temporary storage while burning to CD Creating new documents Personal address books	Win XP - local administrators have access to all files stored on hard drive	Data stored on your desktop computer's hard drive is not backed up automatically Users are advised to manually backup information from the C drive to CD
Business Share on Admin (G: \\admin.wpi.edu\fc\ccc)	Used to store all business related files. Defined by departments, workgroups, committee work, etc.	Departmental files Forms Templates Meeting Minutes Policies Manuals	Requires ADMIN username & password Permissions granted by dept. head, supervisors, committee heads and workgroup leaders	Automated backup performed daily by the CCC.
Personal Share on McTeer (M: Drive)	Storage location only for output from Banner and administrative applications on McTeer	Banner reports Purchase Orders Data forms	Requires ADMIN username & password	Automated backup performed daily by the CCC.
Personal Share on Toaster *(note)** (R: Drive)	Individual network storage space.	Personal documents Pictures Web Pages "My Documents"	UNIX username & password (Remotely via SCP) ADMIN username & password (Remotely via VPN)	Automated backup performed daily by the CCC.
Removable Storage	Archive e-mail Archive files Physical file transfer	CD DVD Zip Drive USB Flash Drive	None	Available to users to backup files at their own discretion.

*NOTE: Please take notice of which storage space you use; there is a "My Documents" folder on your computer (C Drive) and a "My_Documents" folder in your Personal Share on Toaster (R Drive).

CCC Glossary of Terms

Automated Backup
An automatic process managed by the CCC and performed at the server level which creates copies of files (backups) to be stored in a safe location and referenced in case of data file corruption, equipment failure or other catastrophe. Automated Backups are performed on CCC-managed servers on a regular basis and many backup files are stored off-site as an added precaution.

Backup
The process of copying files to an alternative location for the purpose of preserving a copy in case of data file corruption, hard drive failure or other catastrophe.

Business Share
This is a network storage space defined for storing business-related files that may need to be accessed by multiple users. Any user of the ADMIN domain can request a business share be defined for use by a department, workgroup or committee by initiating a request through the Helpdesk. Only the owner of the business share can define access to the business share. To facilitate access to a business share, users should refer to the folder name (as opposed to just the Drive letter generally used to access the folder.)

Hard Drive
Component of a personal computer that provides local file storage for system files, application files and data files. This storage medium is quite volatile and is not recommended for permanent file storage. Due to the potential for data loss, it is recommended that users use this storage space only for temporary work on data files.

Local Administrator
The CCC generally gives Windows XP users Administrator privileges to the primary user of each personal computer (PC). These privileges are required for activities such as installing hardware, software or printers on any PC running Windows XP. We refer to a user with these special privileges as the Local Administrator of the PC.

Personal Share on McTeer
McTeer is the name given to the main Administrative server (previously known as Elwood). McTeer users are given a small amount of space to temporarily store output from applications run on McTeer or through some Banner processes.

Personal Share on Toaster
Toaster is the name given to the Network Storage Appliance used to supply WPI computer users with a large central file storage location in which they can store their personal documents, web pages, pictures and "My Documents" files. This is a UNIX device and access to this storage area can be gained directly through a UNIX login (to ccc.wpi.edu) or from a PC logged into the STUDENT or ADMIN domain by mapping a network drive to \\toaster.wpi.edu\username.

Removable Storage
Mobile storage media such as CDs, DVDs, Zip drives or USB Flash drives that allow for the easy storage of backup files and also allow files to easily be moved from one computer to another.

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Last modified: Aug 15, 2005, 17:04 EDT