While FileCloud offers direct support through the web interface at https://filecloud.calarts.edu, or via the FileCloud tile after logging in at sso.calarts.edu, FileCloud also offers two desktop applications, each for both Mac and PC, as well as mobile apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android. The FileCloud mobile apps can be downloaded directly from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
We recommend that Staff and Faculty use the FileCloud Drive application while Students use FileCloud Sync. Please see the section below explaining the differences between the two applications and then you may choose whichever suits your needs best.
Please note that there is another application for Mac called FileCloud Desktop. While that will become the primary application for both Mac and PC, it is currently in Beta and only for Mac. CAIT does not recommend using FileCloud Desktop as of the writing of this article and will update this when FileCloud Desktop becomes available for all devices.
FileCloud Drive vs FileCloud Sync
FileCloud Drive creates a new folder on your computer so that you can access everything in your FileCloud environment without using the web interface. The advantage for Staff and Faculty is that you will not overload your computer with department documents that you might need access to infrequently. Any Team Folders or shared documents will be accessible as long as you are connected to the internet.
FileCloud Sync will automatically download and upload documents and folders between your computer and FileCloud. This is advantageous if you find yourself traveling or without consistent access to the internet. Files will remain downloaded to your computer hard drive and will be updated if any changes are made.
FileCloud Sync may overload your computer with files that you do not necessarily need to be downloaded at all times. There are settings in the FileCloud Sync installation process as well as in the preferences as well to select only the folders that you want to download. There are directions on setting up selective sync in the Installing FileCloud Sync section below.
FileCloud Drive creates a new drive on your computer that allows you to browse your FileCloud system without having to use the web interface. CAIT recommends FileCloud Drive for Staff and Faculty.
Filecloud Drive can be downloaded for Mac here
Filecloud Drive can be downloaded here for PC
After downloading FileCloud Drive, run the installer and you should see this welcome screen. Hit "Get Started" to begin the installation.
On the 1st page, enter the server URL as https://filecloud.calarts.edu. Then enter your your CalArts account username and password, or Single Sign-On (SSO), in the Account and Password fields.
On the 2nd page, you'll be presented with the download limit setting. Most users should set the limit to 50MB. Essentially, this is the amount of data your FileCloud files will take up on your hard drive as you are using them. If your files are large in nature, such as video or massive Excel files, a limit of 100MB should be a good buffer. It is not recommended to go to Unlimited before consulting with CAIT, but this setting can be changed anytime in the FileCloud Drive preferences.
On the 3rd page, you will be asked about location settings for your files. These are the default, recommended settings.
And that's it! You may be asked to restart your computer, which you will need to do before using the application. Once your computer has restarted, you will see FileCloud Drive in your File Explorer on Windows or in the Finder on Mac.
FileCloud Sync not only syncs your FileCloud folders & files between your computer and the FileCloud server, but also folders that are shared by others, simplifying collaboration and backups.
FileCloud Sync can be downloaded here for Mac
FileCloud Sync can be downloaded here for PC
After installing FileCloud Sync, you will be asked to enter some information:
The Local Sync folder is where on your computer you would like files and folders to download. In this example, I will leave the default option.
On the Log In screen, enter the server URL: https://filecloud.calarts.edu, followed by your CalArts account username and password, or Single Sign-On (SSO).
The next screen gives you some flexibility on which files and folders you would like to keep synced. The default option will sync everything, keeping all files and folders downloaded onto your computer. If you are setting up FileCloud for the first time, you might not have any folders set up yet.
Network Folders and Backup Folders are currently disabled, you may disregard these screens.
After that, you’re all setup with FileCloud Sync! You will see a FileCloud icon appear in the menu bar on Mac and in the Task Bar on PC.
Comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.