WebDisk

From TMUGWiki

Every member of TMUG gets space on the TMUG server to use as they like. But, what exactly is that and how can it be used? This article will take a closer look at TMUG's webDisk space, how to access it and some ways to use it. For the low price of TMUG dues, this is truly a fun and useful benefit.

What is WebDisk

Simply, space on TMUGs web server. Just like you could have a folder on your own hard drive, TMUG offers members space on its hard drive. The difference is that TMUG's hard drive is accessible over the internet. And, because it is apart of our web server, your disk space can serve web pages, RSS feeds, Podcasts, Weblogs and what ever you can dream up to be available on the internet.

However, it need not be material intended for others to use. Your TMUG WebDisk space can simply be a place for you to store a few files for use elsewhere. Think of it as a flash drive accessible whenever you have internet access.

Truly, the TMUG WebDisk space is a great benefit from TMUG. All you need to know is how to use it.

Accessing WebDisk

The first thing you need to know in order to use your webdisk space is how to upload files. There are two ways to access for webdisk space FTP and webDAV (both offsite links to wikipedia articles). You will also need to know your TMUG user ID and password.(those could be different than those used to access this site)

If you know your TMUG user ID and password you are good to go. If you are unsure and want to test go back to the main page and in the upper right hand corner you'll see TMUG Member Login. Test it there, if you were successful then you have what you'll need to access your TMUG webdisk space.

webDAV

The easiest way to access your TMUG webdisk space is via webDAV. And one big reason why is Apple included a webDAV client in Mac OS X. It is accessed in Finder.

While in Finder choose from the menu bar Go --> Connect To Server or the keyboard shortcut command-k. Either method should present you with a connect to server window.

Image of the connect to server screen from Panther, TMUG member aemory was logging in.

Since webDAV uses HyperText Transfer Protocol or HTTP, a URL can be used. In every case the URL will be

 http://webdisk/tmug.org/your_member_id_here
 where
 your_member_id_here is your member id

Once you have entered the URL for your webdisk space click connect. If this is the first time logging in, you should be asked for your user id and password, enter those and continue. If all is successful you will see a finder window with your TMUG webDisk as a network resource.

Example of a Finder Window with a TMUG webDisk as a netwrok resource. Notice this user has a lot of files already on their webdisk space

Now that you have your webDisk connected, simply use it like any other finder window. Drag and Drop files at will. Pretty easy. Only thing left to do is eject the webdisk space when you are through.

Tip : Always eject the webDisk space when you are through. Like so many things with the Mac OS, our Mac OS Server doesn't like it when you forget to eject your webDisk - thank you.

There is a trade off with all of this ease, it is slow, very slow. It is not very useful if you have a bunch of files to upload. very useful for a few files but a better choice FTP.

Also, there is a draw back to using webDAV if you are going to be testing PHP on the TMUG server. Because webDAV uses http, when downloading a PHP file you are going to get the results of the executed PHP rather than the source. Not too helpful if you are testing PHP. Again you'll find FTP a better choice.

FTP

Using WebDisk