Every computer user on campus can now store up to 10 Megabytes of files outside their computer using DartFolders, a network-based file storage system.
The system allows all students and faculty members to store 10 Mb of information on three computers located in Kiewit Computational Center.
Although the idea for DartFolders was mentioned in a technical service meeting a few years ago, Computing Services began developing the program after it recommended that incoming members of the Class of 2002 buy iMacs.
Computing Services spokesman Bill Brawley said his department developed the server to provide users with ways to back up files since iMacs do not have a floppy disc drive.
Jim Matthews, chief programmer in technical services department of Computing Services, and primary developer of the system said, "We have been thinking about ways to provide disaster protection to users on campus. IMacs focused this need for the fall."
In addition to providing better backup of documents, DartFolders allows users to retrieve important files from other computers on campus. Matthews said many users prefer space on the network, rather than on floppy discs.
Matthews said he realizes many people use BlitzMail to mail important documents to themselves. "We think that this service is more appropriate for that," he said. "It may take the load off Blitz."
Also, unlike BlitzMail, the system has no scheduled down time every night to back up documents. Under normal conditions, DartFolders is available 24 hours a day; most BlitzMail servers shut down at 3 a.m.
Many factors affected the Computing Services' decision to limit the space of each user to 10 MB. Assuming that everyone on campus would use the server, Computing Services estimated how much space a typical user needs, how much this would cost and how practical it would be.
After users fill up their 10 Mb of space, they will be unable to add more information to the network, only delete files. Before allotting users more space, Matthews said Computing Services will consider the amount of use the system has received.
Matthews said he hopes Computing Services will be ready for breakdowns whenever they may occur.
"A worst case would mean an interruption in service which may take a couple hours because of the very large amounts of data on the server," Matthews said. However, students should not lose more than a day's worth of data because the server is backed up daily.
"So far there have been a few temporary outages which isn't too surprising with new software, but for the most part I have been pleased with its reliability," Matthews said.
Students can access the DartFolders server through the Appleshare icon on their Chooser. Three servers are available Locker, Strongbox and Vault. The password to the server is the same as one's BlitzMail password.
PC users can access the system through the Dartmouth College webpage.