Difference between revisions of "File Transfer at the U of M"

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|Introduction=
 
|Introduction=
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In order to transfer files to and from the U of M through the internet, you need to make use of a technology known as the File Transfer Protocol, or FTP. There are many different ways to use FTP: most web browsers have the ability to handle FTP, and there are many programs that are designed to use the technology as well. The university makes use of a service called NetStorage to allow students to transfer their files from the university to another computer off campus. There are also alternative programs you can use to transfer files as well, such as Dropbox.
  
 
|...by students=<em>
 
|...by students=<em>
There are several great features of Linux; it is a free open source O/S which has both a command line and graphical interface. It also supports several programming languages which can be installed quickly and  easily. There’s even the enjoyable command ‘apt-get moo‘. However my personal experience with Linux at the U of M has resulted in more frustration than admiration. For a second year class I had to Shell into a Linux lab on campus to edit and hand-in homework. This required me to enter commands one by one into the command line which also meant remembering a list of commands to get anything done. Several times I would forget the correct sequence of commands or move myself into the wrong directory looking for a file and have to start over from the top. After some time, it was pointed out to me that you could also edit files elsewhere and just transfer them in. It was so comforting to be reunited with the Windows style of clicking pictures and words to get what I needed.</em>}}
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Ever since I started using Dropbox I haven't touched my memory stick to transfer my files. I just save everything into my Dropbox folder. As soon as I hit the 'Save' button everything is backed up online and I just have to login to the website to retrieve my files from any computer I want. I don't even have to think about it, it just does it automatically.
==Why You Need an Operating System==
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</em>
Software outlines a list of specifications, including memory needed and the operating system(s) which it needs to run properly. However, computers that satisfy these specifications can still have several differences in hardware, including the amount of memory available, the processor speed and even the kind of mouse, keyboard and printer you choose to use. At the same time, we can all buy the same boxed software which is mass produced and isn't meant to be modified. The O/S will make sure that the software will be able to communicate with whichever hardware is on your computer. An O/S has two faces; one faces you and applications and the other faces the internal hardware<ref>An Illustrated Guide to Operating Systems http://www.karbosguide.com/hardware/module6c2.htm</ref>
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|Content=
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==File Transfer Protocol==
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The file transfer protocol is a system that allows you to transfer and modify files across the internet.<ref>'''File Transfer Protocol''' Accessed December 7, 2009. Available from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_transfer_protocol</ref> It is similar to other protocols like the hypertext transfer protocol, or HTTP, which is used to transfer webpages. Most web browsers and many programs support FTP.
  
[[Image:Op System.jpg]]
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FTP is designed to be a common method for transferring files between all different types of computers. This means that even though computers like Macs and PCs can be very different internally, they both use the same FTP system. This ensures that nothing can be lost in translation when transferring files between two very different computers.
  
== Types of Operating Systems ==
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Most web browsers support FTP, and many other programs have been written to handle FTP as well. These programs include FTP applications like FileZilla, ExpanDrive and WinSCP<ref>'''Comparison of FTP client software''' Accessed December 7, 2009. Available from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_FTP_client_software</ref>; file managers like Windows Explorer and Nautilus; and browser based applications such as NetStorage.
Different types of operating systems are designed based on the types of applications to be run and who will be using the computer.
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*'''Real-time operating system (RTOS)''' - The RTOS has very little user-interface because the user doesn't need to input much information. Instead, it is designed to perform a few particular tasks. The RTOS must run each task in the same amount of time each time it is run. Used in machinery and household appliance controllers such as a programmable thermostat.<br>
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==Novell NetStorage== 
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[[Image:NetStorage.png|thumb|200px|right|'''Figure 1:''' Screenshot of Novell NetStorage]]
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In order to make transferring files as easy as possible, the university uses a system called NetStorage. NetStorage is designed to make using FTP resemble moving files around on your computer. The university uses NetStorage to allow the transfer of files to and from your library account.
  
*'''Single-user, single task''' - Designed so one user can do one task at a time. The O/S doesn't have to worry about managing memory or hardware across different applications. A good example is the Palm O/S in Palm handheld computers.  
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To access NetStorage go to [http://ins.umanitoba.ca ins.umanitoba.ca]. From here you must login using your library account, then double click on the Home@INS folder in the centre of the page. This will bring you to the 'My Documents' folder for your library account. All of your files and folders should be listed.
  
*'''Single-user, multi-tasking''' - A user can run several applications at the same time with each application getting access to the hardware it needs. For example, as you are reading this Wiki, you may also be running a music program or checking Facebook at the same time. This is the most common O/S as it appears on most laptop and desktop computers.
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Transferring files using NetStorage is very easy. To upload files to your library account, select Upload under the File menu. Then browse to the file you wish to upload and click the Upload button. To download files from your library account, check off all the files you wish to download, and select Download from the File menu.
  
*'''Single-user, multi-tasking''' - A user can run several applications at the same time with each application getting access to the hardware it needs. For example, as you are reading this Wiki, you may also be running a music program or checking Facebook at the same time.<br>This is the most common O/S as it appears on most laptop and desktop computers.
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Through NetStorage you also have the ability to perform many other tasks such as renaming and deleting files. Both of these options can be found under the File menu. You can also move files to different folders. Simply check off the files you wish to move and select Move under the Edit menu. Then navigate to the destination folder and select Paste from the Edit menu. You can also copy files in this way by selecting Copy rather than Move.
  
*'''Multi-user''' - Several users can access applications at the same time. The O/S manages the computer's resources so each application gets a fair share of the computer resources.
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See [http://umanitoba.ca/computing/ist/software/ftp/ http://umanitoba.ca/computing/ist/software/ftp/] the U of M information page on how to access campus computers through other FTP applications.
  
Operating Systems are also grouped by their method of interacting with the user, known as the interface.
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==Dropbox==
*'''Command Based''' - The user must remember several commands and type each command on the keyboard as needed
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Dropbox is a free alternative to NetStorage that students can use to backup and transfer files. However, where NetStorage gives you access to your library account from home, Dropbox gives you access to the files on your home computer while at the university, or any other computer in the world. Dropbox is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.
  
*'''GUI Based''' - GUI is a graphical user interface which is more familiar and easier to use. The user makes requests using the mouse in a point-and-click style. This is how most systems appear to the user.
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Dropbox is designed primarily to backup your files. When you install Dropbox on your computer it creates a folder labelled 'Dropbox' in your home folder (that is the folder under your name; the one that contains the Documents, Pictures, Videos and Downloads folders). Anything you place in the 'Dropbox' folder will be backed up online automatically. If you install Dropbox on multiple computers and link them under the same Dropbox account, then anything placed in the 'Dropbox' folder on one computer will automatically be downloaded on all the other computers. Likewise, anything deleted or modified on one computer will be modified on the other computers as well.
  
==Market Share==
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Dropbox can be used as an alternative to NetStorage because anything backed-up by Dropbox can also be accessed online through the Dropbox website, [http://www.dropbox.com dropbox.com]. Simply browse to the website and login with your Dropbox account information in the upper-right corner. Through the website you can access your files stored at home while you are at the university. Dropbox can perform many of the same functions as NetStorage, such as deleting, renaming, copying and moving files and folders.
The retail sales obtained by the following brands or companies contribute to almost all operating systems found on machines today.
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*[[Windows]] by Microsoft - 90% of computers
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*[[Mac]] by Apple - just over 8% of computers
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*[[Unix and Linux|Linux]] - a collaborative effort, 0.71% of computers<br>
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The remainder is made up of several other operating systems or modifications of those listed above such as those found on Sony's Playstation and the Nintendo Wii<ref>Market Share by Net Applications http://marketshare.hitslink.com/report.aspx?qprid=8</ref><br>
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==Further Reading==
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*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_transfer_protocol http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_transfer_protocol] - The Wikipedia article on FTP.
  
These percentages were calculated in October of 2008.
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*[http://www.dropbox.com/help http://www.dropbox.com/help] - The Dropbox help page. Provides information on how to setup Dropbox and use its various features.
  
==Further Readings==
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*[http://umanitoba.ca/computing/ist/software/ftp/ http://umanitoba.ca/computing/ist/software/ftp/] - The U of M information page on how to access various computers through FTP.
*[http://www.HowStuffWorks.com How Stuff Works] Learn how specific operating systems work, such as Windows Vista. Also find more information on the history and future of operating systems.
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*[http://www.computerhope.com/os.htm Computer Hope] Important definitions and news from Apple, Microsoft and Linux/Unix
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==References==
 
==References==
 
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'''Previous Chapter:''' [[Application Software]] <DIV ALIGN = RIGHT>'''Next Page:''' [[Roles of the Operating System]]</DIV></DIV>
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|Previous=[[ISPs in Manitoba]]
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Latest revision as of 16:30, 9 December 2009

COMP1260 > Understanding the Internet



Introduction

In order to transfer files to and from the U of M through the internet, you need to make use of a technology known as the File Transfer Protocol, or FTP. There are many different ways to use FTP: most web browsers have the ability to handle FTP, and there are many programs that are designed to use the technology as well. The university makes use of a service called NetStorage to allow students to transfer their files from the university to another computer off campus. There are also alternative programs you can use to transfer files as well, such as Dropbox.

 

...by students

Ever since I started using Dropbox I haven't touched my memory stick to transfer my files. I just save everything into my Dropbox folder. As soon as I hit the 'Save' button everything is backed up online and I just have to login to the website to retrieve my files from any computer I want. I don't even have to think about it, it just does it automatically.

File Transfer Protocol

The file transfer protocol is a system that allows you to transfer and modify files across the internet.[1] It is similar to other protocols like the hypertext transfer protocol, or HTTP, which is used to transfer webpages. Most web browsers and many programs support FTP.

FTP is designed to be a common method for transferring files between all different types of computers. This means that even though computers like Macs and PCs can be very different internally, they both use the same FTP system. This ensures that nothing can be lost in translation when transferring files between two very different computers.

Most web browsers support FTP, and many other programs have been written to handle FTP as well. These programs include FTP applications like FileZilla, ExpanDrive and WinSCP[2]; file managers like Windows Explorer and Nautilus; and browser based applications such as NetStorage.

Novell NetStorage

Figure 1: Screenshot of Novell NetStorage

In order to make transferring files as easy as possible, the university uses a system called NetStorage. NetStorage is designed to make using FTP resemble moving files around on your computer. The university uses NetStorage to allow the transfer of files to and from your library account.

To access NetStorage go to ins.umanitoba.ca. From here you must login using your library account, then double click on the Home@INS folder in the centre of the page. This will bring you to the 'My Documents' folder for your library account. All of your files and folders should be listed.

Transferring files using NetStorage is very easy. To upload files to your library account, select Upload under the File menu. Then browse to the file you wish to upload and click the Upload button. To download files from your library account, check off all the files you wish to download, and select Download from the File menu.

Through NetStorage you also have the ability to perform many other tasks such as renaming and deleting files. Both of these options can be found under the File menu. You can also move files to different folders. Simply check off the files you wish to move and select Move under the Edit menu. Then navigate to the destination folder and select Paste from the Edit menu. You can also copy files in this way by selecting Copy rather than Move.

See http://umanitoba.ca/computing/ist/software/ftp/ the U of M information page on how to access campus computers through other FTP applications.

Dropbox

Dropbox is a free alternative to NetStorage that students can use to backup and transfer files. However, where NetStorage gives you access to your library account from home, Dropbox gives you access to the files on your home computer while at the university, or any other computer in the world. Dropbox is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.

Dropbox is designed primarily to backup your files. When you install Dropbox on your computer it creates a folder labelled 'Dropbox' in your home folder (that is the folder under your name; the one that contains the Documents, Pictures, Videos and Downloads folders). Anything you place in the 'Dropbox' folder will be backed up online automatically. If you install Dropbox on multiple computers and link them under the same Dropbox account, then anything placed in the 'Dropbox' folder on one computer will automatically be downloaded on all the other computers. Likewise, anything deleted or modified on one computer will be modified on the other computers as well.

Dropbox can be used as an alternative to NetStorage because anything backed-up by Dropbox can also be accessed online through the Dropbox website, dropbox.com. Simply browse to the website and login with your Dropbox account information in the upper-right corner. Through the website you can access your files stored at home while you are at the university. Dropbox can perform many of the same functions as NetStorage, such as deleting, renaming, copying and moving files and folders.

Further Reading

References

  1. File Transfer Protocol Accessed December 7, 2009. Available from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_transfer_protocol
  2. Comparison of FTP client software Accessed December 7, 2009. Available from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_FTP_client_software


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