Windows Vista
Smart Server Usage
The campus H: and S: drives are so convenient for storing files that we often forget that their space is finite and there are other individuals using the same server. This quick reference provides some information about UW-Eau Claire servers and some recommendations for optimizing server use. Here is a list of topics included in this document:
Server Drives
The use of server drives is governed first by the Computer and Network Usage Guidelines. Beyond that, in deciding which drive to use for file storage, you should ask yourself the following questions:
- Is the document in progress or is it in final form?
- Will others need to access the document?
- If others need access, should that access be limited?
To answer these questions, refer to this table which describes the intended use of three commonly used drives.
| Server Drive | Description |
|---|---|
| H: | Faculty, staff, and students store files on this drive in separate accounts. No one else but the individual has access to this drive. |
| S: | Faculty, staff, and designated student employees of a specific department can store common files on this drive. Files may be accessed by members of the department unless permissions have been restricted for specific folders or files. |
| W: | Faculty, staff, and students store and/or exchange academic files via this drive. Permissions can be used to limit access by class, student, or project group. |
Server Files
Any file you have stored on a server takes up some of the server's limited space, so it is a good idea to delete unnecessary files. This includes any old or unneeded files, as well as backup files automatically created by some programs. The following table explains some examples of files that you probably do not need to keep:
| File Type | Description |
|---|---|
| .bak | Backup files automatically created by a program |
| .wbk | Backup files automatically created by Microsoft Word |
| .tmp | Temporary files create by various programs |
| Cache files | Copies of information you viewed online using a web browser |
HINTS:
Filenames that begin with a "~" are also temporary files and can be deleted to save space.
For more information on working with Windows Vista files, refer to Working with Files.
Locating Server Files
In order to access and navigate through your files, it is best to use Windows Explorer.
Locating Files: .bak, .wbk, and .tmp
You can use the Search bar to locate bak, wbk, and tmp files. Using the asterisk (*) wildcard, you can efficiently locate all files of a certain type. Searching for an asterisk followed by a file type will display all files of that type found in the searched location.
-
On the Taskbar, right click START
» select Explore
Windows Explorer opens. -
From the Folders list, navigate to and select the desired drive
-
In the Search bar
, type the string you are looking for
EXAMPLE: To look for wbk files, type *.wbk. -
Click SEARCH
The computer will begin to locate the files. As files are found, they will be added to the File list. If no files are found, a message will be displayed at the bottom of the dialog box along with an Advanced Search option. - To delete a file(s):
- Select the file(s)
- Press [Delete]
Locating Files: Cache
Most web browsers will cache Internet files as you use the Internet. Caching files decreases the load time of web pages that you have previously viewed because the browser does not have to transfer as many files. Except for cookies, the cached files can generally be deleted without negative effects. Cookies are stored as text (.txt) files and can be easily identified as cookies. Netscape stores cookies in a separate directory so the chances of an inadvertent deletion are minimized. With Internet Explorer, if you want to keep your cookies, you will want to sort the directory by file type and delete all non-text files.
HINT: Some examples of cache files you can safely delete include picture files ending in .gif and .jpg.
WARNING: Do not delete the folder that contains the cache files.
The cache directory can vary based on how the program was installed on your computer. Common locations for the cache include:
- H:\Config\Cache
- C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\
- C:\winxp\web\
- H:\config\netscape\cache
Internet cache files may also be located in:
- H:\Config\default\Cache
- H:\Config\Netscape\Users\default\cache
To locate cache files:
-
On the Taskbar, right click START
» select Explore
Windows Explorer opens. -
From the Folders list, navigate to and select the desired drive
-
In the Search bar, type cache
-
Click SEARCH
The computer will begin to locate cache files and folders. As files and folders are found, they will be added to File list. If no files are found, a message will be displayed at the bottom of the dialog box along with an Advanced Search option.
HINT: Some examples of files you can safely delete include picture files ending in .gif and .jpg. - To delete cache file(s):
- Select the file(s)
- Press [Delete]
Tips, Recommendations, and Options
Here are some good file management rules to follow. These tips will help you keep plenty of file space available.
-
If several people in the department use a document, use the department S: drive instead copying the document to everyone involved (permissions can be established to control access to a folder on a shared drive).
-
Develop a good organizational scheme. If you can find things easily, you are less likely to have duplicates.
-
Delete draft versions of documents.
-
Delete old copies of files that you no longer need.
-
Archive old files that you want for future reference (you can archive to a CD-ROM or flash drive).
