Accessing Data

A large part of using the network involves file sharing. We have tried to present a logic to the structure of the file system in a hierarchical fashion. The start of the file system is the “root” which is found at \\ald.utoronto.ca\root. Like the root of a tree, the file system branches outward from this base.

TIP: Simply copy this address into a Windows Explorer window (the Windows keyboard key and E) and press return if you are ever lost. From this point you will see the 'root' directory - double click and you will see the 'tree' opening up to include the following:

Directories like Admin, Groups, Scans and Special are for Faculty use for research, special projects and administration. Directories for student use are Courses, Homes, Plots, and Webfolders.

Backup

You are responsible for backing up and archiving your own data in your home directory. The Faculty is responsible for protecting the integrity of shared group data. By this we mean that there are redundant disk drives and a daily backup of any new data written to our hard drives. This means you can count on the data you write to files servers being there, and if there is a Faculty emergency we will restore files - to the best of our abilities - to their original location before the emergency.

However, restoring personal files that you accidentally deleted from your home directory is not supported. You are responsible for backing up and managing your files to minimize loss of your work. A student with a good file management strategy and backup plan might lose an hour's work by going to a previously saved version.

The Faculty has several means available for backing up your data. All of the labs are equipped with DVD burners that allow approximately 4.2 Gb of data per DVD. These burners can also write CDs that allow approximately 700 Mb of data per CD. It is recommended that you work off of the local hard drive of the computers in the labs and copy files to your homes, courses or webfolders when you are finished your session, or at regular intervals.