DS-Filestore provides students, staff and groups with access to centrally backed-up, secure file servers. A filespace quota of 3.5GB is included with all Desktop Services accounts.
How to access your DS-Filestore
Log in to an MCS computer
Your DS-Filestore will automatically appear as the 'U:' drive when you log in to macOS and Windows MCS computers.
Map it as a drive on your own computer
You can access your filestore from your own computer while you're connected to the University Data Network (UDN) once you've set up a connection. Follow the instructions below for your operating system:
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| Linux | macOS | Windows |
Remote access
You can also use standard file transfer utilities to connect via SFTP. Use any file transfer program that supports the SFTP protocol to connect to sftp.ds.cam.ac.uk, using your Desktop Services login. Finally, you can login remotely to MCS Linux (linux.ds.cam.ac.uk) from any system using ssh or slogin. These two methods are useful when you are not connected to the UDN – for example, when you're away from Cambridge.
Quotas and usage
Each user, other than temporary accounts, is given a filespace limit of 3GB. This is an upper limit; there is not enough space for every user to keep their full entitlement on the fileserver permanently.
If you run out of filespace, you will not be able to create any new files. You should delete all unwanted files; if you think you have a real need for more space, then you can apply for an increase.
Backups
The central backup service is designed to recover from major system failures. It is not always possible for UIS to recover individual user files deleted in error.
If you are using DS-Filestore to store the primary copies of your files, you are responsible for ensuring you have kept backup copies elsewhere.
Managing your filespace
How to check your filespace usage
From an MCS computer:
Windows: Click the FileSpace icon in the taskbar.
Linux: Select Applications > Utilities > Quota.
Mac: Select Applications > Utilities > PWF Account Management.
You can also check your quota usage remotely by visiting www.ds.cam.ac.uk/quota or logging in to MCS Linux using ssh or slogin.
Group filespaces
UIS also provides facilities for group filespaces, most commonly used by University Societies. Limits and access rules for group filespaces are different.