File Services (Akka)

Centralized file services are intended to replace file sharing between individual work stations, also known as “peer-to-peer” file sharing. Centralized file sharing has some significant advantages over peer-to-peer file sharing; it is more secure, and it offers easier and better management of user accounts, files, and permissions. Centralized file services provide a single point of storage for all of a lab’s important files, and allows lab members to share these files and work on them collaboratively. Using the file server can also be more effective than emailing attachments to several co-workers because it maintains one copy of each file in a central location, rather than scattering multiple versions of the same file on several work stations.

There are two kinds of server accounts: individual and group. All faculty and office staff receive individual accounts, with their own password and home area on the server. Lab staff use a group account. Each individual account has its own, secure home directory on the server. Each group (lab) account shares a secure home directory.

Individual home directories can be accessed only by the owner of that account; both faculty and lab staff have access to their lab’s home directory. Subdirectories created within a home directory are owned and controlled by their creator, and may be assigned whatever privileges and permissions the file owner desires.

Faculty should obtain their server login information from the IT Support staff. New lab staff should obtain their group login information from their Lab Manager, Primary Investigator, or Lab Technical Contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I log on to Akka?
In Mac OS X:
In the Finder, go into the Go menu and select Connect to Server…. Enter the URL: afp://akka.genetics.wisc.edu. Enter your user name and password in the dialog box, and click the Connect button. Select the Volume or Volumes you want to mount on your Desktop, and click OK.

In Windows 2000/XP/Vista:
create a mapped drive following these instructions. You can also use the Connect to Computer command, using the the host name akka.genetics.wisc.edu, along with your Akka user name and password.

What types of files may I save on the server?
The file server is for work-related data files only. Please do not save any personal files, such as email, personal pictures, or other personal documents on the server. In addition, the file server is not to be used to store copies of software programs.

How much disk space do we have?
We want labs to be able to use as much space as they need to do their research. Currently, there are no fixed restrictions on disk usage. However, disk space is limited. We expect to have a significantly larger amount of space available in the near future. Until then, we ask that each lab use its own discretion, monitor usage, and to try to use disk space judiciously. If space becomes critical, we may be forced to assign strict usage limits.

Can I access the file server from home?
Only users using Apple File Protocol (AFP) can access the server from outside the Genetics network. For security reasons, Microsoft networking protocols are blocked at the Genetics network firewall. We plan to eliminate this limitation through the use of Virtual Private Networking (VPN) in the next few months, but a target date has not been set for this yet.

Can we share files with other Genetics labs or the Genetic Office staff?
Yes, you can share files with users outside of your group by accessing the Public volume of the file server. This volume is open to all members of the Laboratory of Genetics who have a file server account.

How long can we store files on the server?
It is each lab’s responsibility to manage its own files. We strongly recommend that each work area be cleaned out several times a year, such as between semesters. If old files are no longer needed, they should be removed form the server and archived as appropriate. In particular, files belonging to former lab members should also be gone through, cleaned out, and archived as necessary.

Is my data on the server backed up?
Yes, all individual and group directories are backed up onto DLT tape three times a week. Tape sets are normally kept around for two to three months. We do not archive backups, so we cannot recover files that are older than two or three months.

How do I map a drive for the Akka file server?
See the how to map Akka page.

Other people in my group can’t access my files. What should I do?
Permissions are probably set incorrectly. Check permissions.