U-Drive Network Storage Overview

Tags zdrive udrive

Overview

The U-Drive is a cost-effective, on-premise storage platform designed to complement Google Drive and simplify our overall data ecosystem. It offers storage folders for archived information, departmental shared folders (that are not able to be in Google Drive), collaborative departmental folders, Courses data (formerly known as Nebula), TempScan, and legacy home directory personal storage. You will only see the folders that you have access to.

  • The Archive folder is used for very large files or data that is used infrequently and retained for historical and archival purposes.  Storing large files in this location is much less expensive than other options.
  • The Departmental folder contains your department folder, where departments can store data. If you currently use a department share on the Z-Drive, the Departmental folder will be the replacement.
  • The Collab folder is a location for shared folders between departments that can be created upon request.
  • The Courses folder will contain course data needed for teaching and learning. This was previously stored in the Nebula folder.  Folders for new courses can be created upon request. Course folders are emptied at the end of each academic year.
  • The TempScan folder is the location where the documents you scan on the Konica-Minolta are located, and the documents will be available for 24 hours.

Files in the legacy Z-drive home directory personal folder should be moved to Google Drive or U-Drive department folders. Accommodations can be made upon request for a U-Drive personal folder with proper justification.

 

Details

Accessing from On-Campus:

Windows (if not already located in This PC)

  1. From the Start Menu/Start Screen, start typing Computer or This PC
  2. Right-click on Computer or This PC and select Map Network Drive from the list of options at the bottom
  3. Input the following information:
    1. Drive: U
    2. Folder: \\gustie.gac.edu\U-Drive
    3. Check Reconnect at logon
    4. Click on Connect using a different user name
    5. Click on Finish
    6. When prompted, input your Gustavus username and password

Mac OS

  1. Open Software Center
  2. Search U-Drive
  3. Click Mount
  4. Type in your username/password. 
  5. Open Finder
  6. Under Locations, click u-drive.gac.edu

The U-Drive will now be mounted. For easy access in the future, drag your U-Drive icon to the right side of your dock. If your computer is restarted, you will need to mount the U-Drive again.

 

Accessing from Off-Campus:

  1. Visit virtual-lab.gustavus.edu
  2. If prompted, choose VMware Horizon HTML Access and log in with your Gustavus credentials
  3. Join any Windows remote desktop available to you
  4. Follow the steps above for accessing the U-Drive on Windows on campus

 

FAQ

What type of data should be stored in the U-drive (why can't I just use Google Drive)?

The U-Drive will be available as an option for housing of data that may need to be moved from Legacy systems, such as the Z-Drive/home directory and associated department shares. However, this data can be stored in Google Drive, which is the primary storage location recommended by GTS. The archive space within the U-Drive is available as a more cost-effective option for storing large data sets that only need to be accessed occasionally.

 

Will GTS move our Z-drive department's shared drive data to the U-drive department's shared folders automatically?

No. Departments are responsible for identifying relevant and current files that need to be saved. Departments should consider Google Shared Drives as the primary location for the transfer of this data. Assistance with moving the remaining data can be requested by contacting GTS. U-Drive collab folders can be created upon request, but departments will be responsible for requesting the transfer of pertinent data. 

 

How do I move data from the Z-Drive to the U-Drive?

We recommend moving data that is often used from your Z-Drive into a Shared Google Drive. Contact GTS to assist you in moving the remaining data into the U-Drive.

 

What do I do with outdated information from my Z-Drive department share?

Outdated information that no longer needs to be retained can be deleted.  Please reach out to GTS if you have any questions about document retentions or if you would like assistance moving these files to an archive folder.

 

Will the Z-drive be discontinued and decommissioned? 

GTS will have both storage locations available for a limited time to allow departments and individuals to transfer pertinent data from the Z-Drive to the U-Drive. GTS will provide communication about the discontinuation of the Z-Drive before it becomes permanently unavailable. 

 

What do I do with my work files that are in my user folder of my Z-drive?

Please move these to either your Google Drive or utilize the department share on the U-Drive. Accommodations can be made upon request for a U-Drive user folder with proper justification.

 

Can I move files from my U-Drive to my local machine?

It is possible to temporarily transfer files; however, storing files locally is not recommended. Files stored on local hard drives will not be backed up.

 

Contact us

If you need further assistance, please contact us at helpline@gustavus.edu or call us at 507-933-6111.

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