Temporary_Storage Volume FAQ
Every Macintosh computer in the SCS computer labs and hublets
has a Temporary_Storage partition. This FAQ attempts
to answer some of the most common questions that our users ask about Temporary_Storage
and its uses. Additional questions may be addressed to the helpdesk consultants
in the labs.
The Temporary_Storage volume is a partition on the hard
drive of each SCS Macintosh computer and provides at least 250 GB of
open storage space. Files stored on the volume are stored on the specific
computer being used, not on the server. Files can be viewed by anyone, but
by default, only the creator of a file can modify or delete it. For students
working in groups, this means that the group member who created the files
must always be present and logged in when the group is working on their project,
or must change the files' permissions to allow other
users to access them.
Unlike files stored in your
home directory, files stored on Temporary_Storage stay on the computer you
create them on and do not move with your account!
The Temporary_Storage volume on each computer is available
primarily for users working with video footage and editing applications,
such as iMovie, iDVD, Final Cut Pro and DVD Studio Pro. The
video files used with these applications can be several gigabytes in size
and will not fit within the quota
limits imposed on Systems Labs Macintosh accounts. Because of this, video
files must be stored on personal FireWire drives or the Temporary_Storage
volumes of the lab computers instead of in user accounts on the server.
If you are using Temporary_Storage for video editing, you
must configure your iMovie and/or Final Cut Pro settings before you
begin work.
If you are using iDVD or iMovie, you should save
your project file and all related files on the Temporary_Storage drive in
a folder with your name on it.
Temporary_Storage volumes are also available as a place
for users to store large files while doing graphic design or music editing
work, or while waiting for a quota increase request to be approved.
Although we provide this space as a courtesy, we highly
recommend that digital video students utilize other digital video storage
options.
Use of the Temporary_Storage volumes is
free and open to everyone. If you use Temporary_Storage, you must always
work on the same computer and you will have to share the computer and its
drive space with other users. Since video classes share the same classroom,
a large portion of the space on each volume may be filled by the end of the
semester.
Temporary_Storage drives are cleared
at the end of each semester. Until then, however, only the creator of a file
and the systems administrators have access to modify or delete it. If a drive
becomes full, you may be contacted and asked to delete any projects that
are not currently in progress.
If you have files that you want to save,
make sure that you back them up before the last day of finals!
To modify others'
access to your files and folders, you can change the file permissions. By
doing this, you can allow other users to edit your files, or you can prevent
other users from opening or viewing your files. For more information, see
the READ ME file stored at the top level of each Temporary_Storage volume
in our labs, or ask a consultant for help.