SoFS: Usage Notes for MacOS

A connection to SoFS via CIFS/SMB is only possible within the network of the University of Cologne (UKLAN). If you use a mobile device or access SoFS from home, a VPN connection must be established first. Please note that access via CIFS/SMB is generally preferable to WebDAV for performance and stability reasons.

• Step-by-step instructions for setting up access via CIFS/SMB on a Mac.

In contrast to CIFS/SMB a connection via WebDAV can be accessed through the internet (a connection via WebDAV does not need an active VPN connection) and is suitable for situations where it is not possible to establish a VPN connection to the UKLAN.

• Step-by-step instructions for setting up access via WebDAV on a Mac.

One can also access data in SoFS using a web browser (for example: Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, Opera). The access is therefore independent of the operating system. However, access is limited to read-only, so no new folders can be created, or files uploaded using this method.

• Step-by-step instructions for access via web browser.

Advice for an efficient usage

After restarting your Mac you will have to reestablish the connection to SoFS in order to access the files. To make this easier, you can simply create a reference to SoFS on your desktop or any other accessible folder. In doing so you only have to open the reference (and enter your password if prompted) in order to connect to SoFS.

To create a reference, establish a connection to SoFS – it does not matter, whether you use CIFS or WebDAV. - and select the folder or subfolder where you want to have easy access to. Now press and hold [cmd] and [alt] on your keyboard and drag and drop the desired folder to your preferred location. Next to the folder an icon will appear which looks like a small, curved.

In the future you can use this icon to easily connect to SoFS.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes while saving files directly from within a program (e.g., Adobe products or Microsoft Office) problems can occur. In these cases, it is recommended to switch from CIFS/SMB to WebDAV.

Access rights

Unfortunately, it is not possible in a comfortable way to change or display access rights for folders and files in SoFS on a mac. If you want to change said access rights it is recommended to use windows.

If there are no changes the ‘public’ area is accessible for all users of the university of cologne. ‘Project’ areas are administered by the project coordinator. While in the ‘private’ area access rights are limited to the owner.

Access older files

Although deleted files or overwritten versions of files are provided by SoFS, there is no way to have access to hem using a Mac. If you want to restore a deleted file or get access to an older version of a file, it is recommended to restore them using Windows and save them with a different name to have access to it on the Mac. If this is not possible for you, please contact the RRZK-Helpdesk.