Safeguarding Your Data
Learning & Technology Services offers network solutions that are designed to provide secure and confidential data storage for UWEC faculty and staff. Data that is stored on the network is copied to tape nightly and can be restored on demand in the event of equipment failure or accidental erasure.
Some users choose to store files on their desktop hard drives rather than on network storage. While LTS does not prohibit doing so, we are unable to provide the level of data protection for desktop drives that is offered for network storage. We recognize that all computer hardware will eventually fail, and LTS strongly recommends that you take appropriate precautions to safeguard important files stored on your desktop computer.
LTS has identified the following ways in which to store and backup your data:
Network Storage
Network storage facilities are available to Windows, Macintosh, and Linux users although they are referenced differently in each operating system. For Windows users network storage locations are identified by "drive letters". Drive letters refer to storage areas that are reserved for specific purposes, the most common of which are:
H: The "home directory" provides storage for personal files and folders. This is where you might keep copies of work in progress, personal notes, letters and similar data.
S: The departmental directory provides storage for files and folders that are to be shared by other members of your department or unit. For example, this directory might contain the collected minutes of department meetings.
W: The curricular directory provides storage for files and folders pertaining to academic courses. This directory can also be used to share material with students in specific courses.
For operating system specific information please contact the LTS Helpdesk (36-5711).
Although the amount of network storage space is finite, LTS is prepared to make sufficient space available to meet your needs. You may contact the LTS Helpdesk to request additional space for your H:, S: and W: storage drives as well as for your UWEC emailbox.
Backup to an External Hard Drive
A third option for protecting files on your desktop computer is to use an external disk drive to perform your own scheduled backups. Leopard, the most recent release of the Macintosh OS/X operating system (version 10.5) incorporates Time Machine software for that purpose. LTS can assist in configuring your computer, whether Macintosh or Windows, to use an external backup drive; however, you or your department will be responsible for purchasing the necessary hardware and software.
Summary
In summary, the three mechanisms identified by LTS for safeguarding your data are:
UWEC Network Storage
- Tested and fully supported by LTS
- No additional cost
- Space will be made available as required
CrashPlan
- To be offered in pilot mode, 2008-2009 academic year
- No additional cost
- Space needs undetermined but will be sufficient for pilot
External Hard Drive
- LTS will assist with installation and configuration
- You are responsible for hardware purchase
- Large capacity but finite
