Classroom and Lab Computing

Macintosh Access to "UDrive" Private File Storage

Summary

As of January 2004, native Macintosh access to the U-Drive became limited to Mac OS X or higher.  This was caused by our need to drop support for the AFP (Apple File Protocol) which is the only way Mac OS 8 and 9 could natively connect to the U-Drive. 

What is the UDrive?

The U-Drive is private file space physically located on file servers in the Computer Building at University Park. Basically, think of the U-Drive as a floppy or zip disk that you don't have to cart around with you. Your U-Drive file space can be accessed from any Macintosh or Windows computer located anywhere on the Internet.

What can I use the UDrive file space for?

You can use the U-Drive just like you would a floppy or zip disk:

• Write a paper for a class and save it on the U-Drive.
• Store your favorite MP3 (legal ones!) on the U-Drive.
• Save your email to the U-Drive disk.
  - If you want to use your old email with the U-Drive, copy the 'Eudora' folder on your floppy or zip disk to your U-Drive before double-clicking the 'Email (Eudora 5.1r) £' launcher on the Software volume.
  - If you don't care about your old email or you don't have any old email, simply double-click the 'Email (Eudora 5.1r) £' launcher on the Software volume. The U-Drive will automatically be configured for Eudora if it needs to be.
• Create your own web pages on the U-Drive. See Web Service for details
• Etc., etc., etc.

Privacy WARNING

The files in your private folder (e.g. Users:x:y:xyz123) and the folders inside it cannot be accessed by other users unless you change permissions. However, the names of the files and folders in your folder are visible to everyone.

If you don't want others to see the names of your files, put them in a subfolder, such as Users:x:y:xyz123:MyFiles.

Accessing the UDrive Private File Space

From a PSU student lab:

• Double click "Access My U-Drive" which is located on the desktop
• When prompted enter your PSU Password in the password field of the dialog box and click connect.
• A Users share will appear on the desktop as well as an alias to your folder on the U-Drive called xyz123's U-Drive.
• When you are done using the U-Drive, drag the "Users" volume and your U-Drive alias to the trash. This will simply dismount the disk, it will NOT delete (trash) your files.

From home using Mac OS X:

Note (9/1/06): The script described below now works when using a VPN connection.

• Download the U-Drive Installer.zip file to a temporary location.
• Extract the files and run the installer.
• Launch the VPN Client and connect to Penn State using the ISPtoPSU connection profile.
• To access the uDrive, double-click the "Access My U-Drive" alias on the desktop.
• You will be prompted for a userid and password; user your Access Account userid and password.
• When it connects the script will navigate to your home folder.