IPFW Network for Windows XP

Before You Begin

If you have never worked on a computer network before, there are a few things you should know as you get started. A computer network is simply two or more computers connected to each other by cables, phone lines or fiber optics; this connection is referred to as a Local Area Network or LAN. Computer networks enable you to exchange and share information with other people without leaving your desk. On the network server you share resources with your coworkers. For instance, you might be set up to share printers and drive space with others. The network also serves as a "library" where you share network versions of software.

Login Requirements

1. Your university owned, desktop computer must be equipped with both a network card and a cable plugged into the network drop wired to your office.
2. Your computer must be equipped with a client (software) that allows you to "log on" to the IPFW Tree.
3. You must have a Network account that allows you access to the IPFW Tree. Faculty/staff can obtain an IPFW LAN (Local Area Network) account by completing an account request form at http://www.its.ipfw.edu/forms/.

The IPFW Tree

The IPFW tree is a directory service that organizes network resources and maintains network information including users, groups, servers, volumes, printers and other physical network devices - into a hierarchical tree structure. This information is stored in a database called NDS (NetWare Directory Service) which is a distributed database replicated on many servers for fault tolerance. If the Data were organized on paper you would see that the resources are ordered like an upside down tree.

Logging in to the IPFW Network

1. Press Control + Alt + Delete to access the login box.
2. Input your username.
3. Input your network password.
4. Make sure the Workstation only box is not checked.
5. Click the Advanced button.
6. Click the Windows tab.
7. Make sure the Local username has your network username filled in.
8. Make sure From says ADIPFW if you want to log into the network.
9. Click OK or press Enter.

Changing Your Network Password

Network Drives

There are various network drives you will have access to when you log into the network. Each drive serves a different function, described below.

Sys on 'Apps13' (F:, G: or H:)

A read-only drive used for logging into the network. This drive is not one that you will need to actively use. You do need to keep in mind that if this drive is F and you are using drives A through E (Zip, CD, etc.) you may need to make some changes in order to use a flash disk or some other device requiring its own drive letter.

Username on 'Cla_shared_files_server\Sharedfiles' (I:)

The I drive is your personal storage space. No one can access it except you. (If you need to share files with someone else, you would use an O drive.) Initially, your I drive is capped at 500 MB but it is possible to get more space by contacting the Help Desk. However, keep in mind that network drive space is not unlimited. The I drive is backed up by IT Services and files can be restored from backup if necessary. If a file has been deleted, you can usually salvage it yourself. A certain amount of space is needed on I for some software configuration files.

Shared on 'Cla_shared_files_server\Sharedfiles' (O:)

The O drive is storage space shared by multiple people, usually, but not limited to, a department. It is possible for a department to have multiple O drives (ANS, ANS_ADV, etc.) which are only accessible to those who have been given rights. Instructors can also have an O drive folder created to share files with their students. Each O drive is limited in size but the size will vary. It is possible to obtain more space by contacting the Help Desk. O drives are backed up by IT Services and files can be restored from backup if necessary. If a file has been deleted, you can usually salvage it yourself.

Docs on 'Web3\Web' (P:)

The P drive contains your personal or departmental web pages.

There are other, read-only network drives that allow you to access software or other resources. The use of these drives is transparent so you should not have to navigate to these drives.

Checking Space on Network Drives

There are two different methods for determining how much space you have on your I and O drives. One is in Windows and the other uses a command prompt.

Windows Method

1. In My Computer or Windows Explorer, right-click your I drive (Username on (I:) or specific O folder such as Cla_shared_files_server\Sharedfiles.
2. Click Properties.
3. Click the NetWare Info tab.
4. Toward the center of the window is a listing for space restriction and space available. Restriction is how much total you have and available is what you have free. The numbers will be reported in KB. 1,024 KB = 1 MB.

Command Prompt Method

1. Click Start > Run; enter CMD in the box and click OK.
2. At the prompt, type ifree for your I drive or ofree dept where dept is the name of the O drive folder.
3. Press Enter.
4. The very last line will tell you how much space you have. Restrictions is the total amount of space you have. The numbers will be reported in KB. 1,024 KB = 1 MB.
5. Type exit and press Enter to close the command prompt.

Your network drive space is to be used for current projects only. Older files that aren't being used should be deleted or archived to a zip disk, CD, etc. and removed from the server.

Salvaging Deleted Files

Note this only works for files that have been deleted. If you have overwritten a file or deleted a directory, the file(s) will need to be restored from a backup.

1. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the drive and folder where the file used to be.
2. Right-click the folder the file was in and choose Salvage Files...
3. Recently deleted files will appear and can be restored by highlighting them and clicking Salvage File.

Software

Unless you have installed software on the hard drive of your computer you will need to log in to the IPFW Tree. This is where all basic software programs reside and are accessed by logging in. The IPFW Tree serves as a "library" where you share network versions of software.

• Click Start > IPFW Icons. Software applications are located in the cascading submenus.
• You may also see additional software listed in a folder called Dept Apps if you have access to specialized department software.
• You must be logged in to the IPFW Tree with a user name and password in order to use Network software.
• These instructions will allow you to create desktop shortcuts for applications in IPFW Icons.

Click here for more information about IPFW Icons.

If you have any questions or problems, feel free to call the Help Desk at 481-6030.