Emerson Library Computing Guide

Saving Data

Saving data on a Mac

Saving Data with Windows

Using the H: Drive | Email Data to Yourself | Burning a CD | Flash Drives | Floppy Disks | Zip Drives

Using the H: Drive.

Removable media, floppy drives, zip drives, flash drives and CDR can sometimes be unreliable. For that reason we have created disk space on our server so that you can TEMPORARILY save your files before emailing or transferring your files to another medium(s). We suggest that when you save import work that you save it to multiple locations.

• All files saved on the H: Drive are able to be viewed by others who get on the same computer after you leave. If you feel uncomfortable with the fact that your data may be seen or copied by others, be sure to delete your documents before logging off.
• Files are deleted at random intervals. The H: Drive is not a permanent storage location. It is only a temporary solution that allows you to transfer your files to a more permanent and stable medium (Don't panic! Your files will not be deleted while you are sitting at the computer).

1. To save your document to the H: Drive
   Select My Computer, then select eCommons or cafe(Station Number) on... (H:).
   
   
   
   

Emailing Data to Yourself

As an extra measure towards preventing data loss, you can email yourself the file you wish to store.

1. First save your file to the H: drive.

2. Open your web email, type your own email address into the To: section, compose a message then choose attach

   

3. Browse to the H: and choose the file you want to attach the file then choose "Send" and your file should be online in your web email inbox.

1. When working with a file downloaded from an email attachment (i.e. MS Word Document), be sure to save your file using "Save as..." to an accessible area on the computer such as the H: Drive, Floppy Drive, or Zip Drive. If you neglect to do this, the file may be lost due to the security restraints placed on library computers.
   
   
2. When you are finished updating a file downloaded from an attachment, you must re-email the updated file to yourself in order for it to be stored.

Burning a CD

CD's are a good medium for permanent storage of your file data. They are more durable and hold more information than a standard Floppy Disk.
*** For information on how to burn a CD, See CD-Burning Guide.

• You can save a larger amount of files first to your H: Drive.
• Using the procedure to burn a CD, you can select all these files from the convenient location of the H: Drive.
  
  

Flash Drives

Flash drives are small, portable storage devices with no moving parts. They are exceptionally durable and can hold anywhere from 64MB (cheaper models) to 256MB (more expensive models).
*** For more information on flash drives, See Flash Drives Guide.

• There have been various occurences where files are becoming corrupted when saving directly to a usb flash drive from Microsoft Word and other programs.
• To reduce file corruptions, please save your file to the H: Drive first.
• When you are satisfied with your file, copy the final saved version from the H: Drive to your USB Flash Drive.
  
  

Floppy Disks

You can save data to a 3.5" floppy disk at any computer in the library by selecting "3 1/2 Floppy (A:)" from the save menu. Blank floppy disks are available for purchase in the library and at the book store.

• There have been various occurences where files are becoming corrupted when saving directly to a floppy from Microsoft Word and other programs.
• To reduce file corruptions, please save your file to the H: Drive first.
• When you are satisfied with your file, copy the final saved version from the H: Drive to your floppy disk.
  
  

Zip Drives

Zip drives are available at selected computers throughout the library [Click to See Locations]. These drives are similar to floppies in appearance, but can hold much more data.

• There have been various occurences where files are becoming corrupted when saving directly to from Microsoft Word and other programs.
• To reduce file corruptions, please save your file to the H: Drive first.
• When you are satisfied with your file, copy the final saved version from the H: Drive to your zip drive
  
  

Saving Data on the Mac's

Do not save your work to the Desktop or on Macintosh HD. If you do, you will lose your files if/when the computer is restarted. Please save everything to Student HD to avoid losing your work.