Connecting to your files

The method of connecting to your files will be determined by whether your machine is on- or off-campus.

Mapping to a network drive allows you to work with any of the files contained on the drive, including opening, modifying and saving the file.  It is possible to map network drives with Microsoft Windows, Unix (including Linux), and Macintosh OS X operating system environments.  

On Campus:

• On campus, no additional connectivity like Virtual Private Networking (see below) is needed. You can map your drives directly, using either Microsoft Windows XP or 2000 or Macintosh OS X.
  
  For more information, see Connecting to Network Drives.
  
  

Off Campus:

• Webfolders - Students, faculty, and staff can securely access their
  H: and W: drives from any web browser in the world. For online instructions, look to http://www.uwec.edu/help/General/haccess.htm.
  
• Shared Network Folders - This method provides a link to the network drive directly in "My Computer" found either in the Start menu or on your desktop.
  
  In order to use this type of connection, however, you will need to connect to the Virtual Private Network (VPN). For more information about VPN, refer to VPN FAQs.
  
  Once you are connected to the VPN, you can connect to the drive itself. For more information about how to do this, choose your Operating System from the list below.
  • Windows XP
  • Windows 2000
  • Macintosh OS X
    
    

Safe Practice:

Remember to make a copy of the file locally first. Then work on the file. Save it. Then copy the file back to the drive.