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What is a File Server?

A File Server is a digital storage device that provides workstations on a network with controlled access to shared resources. The primary Simmons File Server is called MCBFS1 because it is the #1 File Server in the Main Campus Building.

Why should I use the File Server?

There are many important reasons to store your work on the file server:

1. User and departmental folders on the file server are backed up on a daily basis.
2. You can access it from any computer with an Internet connection.
3. Faculty and staff can share files within their departments or with department designates. Students can share files with other students, faculty and staff.

How do I access my file server folders from a computer I own?

• If your computer is on-campus and running Windows XP, or Macintosh OS 9 or X, follow the instructions available from http://my.simmons.edu/technology/helpdesk/fileserver.
• If your computer is not attached to the Simmons network in Boston: access your file server files through the web site remote.simmons.edu (for instructions see remote.simmons.edu Guide).

What File Server space is available to me?

There are three file server spaces where you can store data: your user drive, the department drive and the public drives. There are two public drives: one for faculty and staff, called Public, and one for students, which is also accessible by faculty and staff, called StudentData.

Can anyone get to my data?

No, not unless you store files someplace where other people can access them:

• User Drive: Only you can access your user drive. As long as you adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy and never share your logon password, no one else can access your data on the file server.
• Department Drive: The people in your department can access data on your department's drive.
• Public and StudentData Drives: The entire Simmons community can access public drives; students can read but not change files stored on Public.

What if I want to share a file among people in my department?

Technology created your Department drive for this purpose. You should be able to save and open files from your department's drive. You can try to click on other departments but you will only be able to access your own. Be aware that some of the department folders have many layers of sub-folders so you may need to click around a bit to find a particular file. Better than guessing, though, is to find out from the creator of the file where s/he saved it.

What can I do with data on the File Server?

You can save, open, copy and delete files on the file server. There are different locations on the server, but the same techniques apply to any storage location you can access.

How do I open a file on the department drive?

First open the appropriate application, such as Microsoft Word. In order to open a data file, if you are using Windows:

1. Click on the File menu then click Open. The Open dialog box appears.
2. Next to Look In, click on the arrow and click on Dept on MCBFS1 (G:).
3. Scroll down to find your department, then double-click on it.
4. Continue to double-click on folder names until you see the file.
5. Double-click on the filename and it will open in the application.

If you are on a Mac, once the drive is mounted, you simply:

1. Click on File then Open. The Open dialog box appears.
2. Click on the Dept volume.
3. Scroll to find the department, and then click on it.
4. Continue to click on folder names until you see the file.
5. Double-click on the filename and it will open in the application.

As you are navigating, if an error appears indicating you cannot access that folder or file, you do not have access to that electronic space or those data. You can request access to a department drive by having your department head submit the NT Account Request Form from the Technology website

I thought I saved something to the users or student drive [my personal file server folder] - how can I find it?

If you are on a PC:

1. Click the Start button and select Search.
2. Choose the type of file you want to search for. If you are not sure what type it is, select All files and folders.
3. Open the drop-down box below Look In: and select your Y: drive.
4. Input some information about your file in the search fields, and click Search.

If you are using Mac OS X, use the Finder to find a file.

1. Click on File then click Find….
2. In the Find dialog box, click next to SearchIn to make sure Specific Places is selected.
3. Click to place a check-mark beside Student if you are a student, or Users if you are faculty or staff. If you do not see Student or Users, you need to "mount" the drive. See OS X: How to access your file server folders.
4. In the bottom half of the Find dialog box, provide some detail on the file you want, and then click Search. Files matching your criteria appear in a new window.
5. Click once on the file to see the "path" (string of folders within which it is contained); double-click on it to open it.