What's Where on an EDS Machine?

The Windows operating system lives on the C:\ disk along many essential system files and application pieces that must live on the same partition as the operating system. Only someone logged in as an administrator is able to write to the C:\ partition in order to protect the integrity of the operating system and related files by being accidentally moved or deleted.

The D:\ partition includes the bulk of the applications we use in EDS. These applications are typically opened up by clicking on a shortcut from the Start menu or via the Box Menus. However, the D:\ disk also contains a few "hidden" applications which are available for staff (and sometimes patron) use as needed. These are applications we feel we should have available but we do not wish to advertise we have. Such programs include Adobe Acrobat (the full version), MS Word, and MS Access. If your looking for an application you think we should have but can't find, check in the D:\Program Files\ directory before contacting Nicole.

Our userfiles are located on the E:\ disk partition the Work folder. Although another staff member is unlikely to erase your files, remember that files on an EDS machine are subject to deletion without notice and should therefore be backed up before you leave for the day.

Most EDS data located on our network is located on the N:\ drive, which is actually a partition on the EDS server. Datasets are typically located in N:\ or N:\Progarm Files\ depending on the nature of their application. You can connect to these folder manually if, for example, a link in a Box Menu fails and you need to access a dataset immediately. The N:\ disk is read only.

The other drives, such as O:\ and P:\, can be ignored. They are special shares that have been created for administrative purposes.

Downloading and Installing Applications

Downloading and installing software of any kind onto an EDS machine is prohibited. Applications may be installed on the "ad hoc" installation machine for a patron without permission. Applications for personal use may be installed on the same machine only with the permission of an EDS full-time staff member (preferably Nicole).

Feel free to suggest any applications you feel like we should have available for use in EDS to Nicole, and she will discuss the possibility of obtaining it with the rest of the EDS full-time staff.

Troubleshooting

If something isn't working on EDS machine, first try to perform the action on another machine. This will help indicate to us whether or not the problem is machine specific or whether or not the problem exists on our general EDS set up. If the problem does not occur when you attempt it on the other machine, reboot the first machine and try performing the action again.