SRJC IT provides shared servers where individuals and departments can share files for network retrieval. You will hear these referred to as department shares, network shared drives, S: drive (the letter association can change).
What is a network drive?
A network drive is a storage device on a server on the same network as another computer. It is different from a local drive, which is only accessible to a user on the computer. SRJC IT provides both personal network drives (referred to as X: drives) and departmental shared network drives (often referred to as S: drives).
Why use a network drive?
Files located on a network drive are offer the following advantages:
- They are accessible from any domain computer.
- If not on a domain computer or off campus, they are accessible through Horizon.
- They are backed up on a regular basis.
- Data recovery is available.
Accessing your personal network drive (X: drive)
If you already have a personal network drive, X: drive, Windows automatically will connect to that drive when you log into a domain computer. You can access this drive by doing the following:
- Open File Explorer from the task bar or press the Windows logo key + E.
- Select This PC from the left pane.
- Double-click the X: drive on the right pane, under Network Locations.
If you already have a personal network drive, X: drive, Apple OS automatically connects to the drive, but may not immediately display the location. To make the drive visible on the Mac Desktop, do the following:
- From the Finder, open Finder Preferences by hitting Command +.
- Click the General tab.
- Select the checkbo next to 'Connected Servers'.
- Close Finder Preferences.
This ensures that you'll see the icon on your Mac Desktop.
Accessing a departmental shared network drive (S: drive)
If you already have a personal network drive, X: drive, Windows automatically will connect to that drive when you log into a domain computer. You can access this drive by doing the following:
- Open File Explorer from the task bar or press the Windows logo key + E.
- Select This PC from the left pane.
- Double-click the X: drive on the right pane, under Network Locations.
If you already have a personal network drive, X: drive, Apple OS automatically connects to the drive, but may not immediately display the location. To make the drive visible on the Mac Desktop, do the following:
- From the Finder, open Finder Preferences by hitting Command +.
- Click the General tab.
- Select the checkbo next to 'Connected Servers'.
- Close Finder Preferences.
This ensures that you'll see the icon on your Mac Desktop.