The college provides several ways for Swarthmore researchers to store and back up their data.
Research Data Storage and Backup Systems
CrashPlan (Workstation only backup)
CrashPlan is Swarthmore's primary computer backup system for faculty and staff. It is the easiest solution for backing up a computer automatically. If all of your research material easily fits on a laptop or desktop computer, then this is the best way we can help you keep it safe. The backup software can be installed on multiple office computers and is not designed for lab or research machines. More information is available on the Computer Backup help page.
Google Drive
Swarthmore's Google Drive storage can be easily accessed from anywhere and shared with colleagues. Research groups are usually best served with by a Google Shared Drive because any files added to a Shared Drive are owned by the group instead of the individual user which . This prevents files from being deleted when users leave the college. To set up a Google Shared Drive for your group, fill out a request form.
CIFS Share
ITS can set up a Common Internet File System (CIFS) share for groups that need a simple way to share files internally. The CIFS share can be accessed like a network drive, but data is stored securely off campus.
Storage and Backup Comparison
Product | Optimal Use Case |
|---|---|
CrashPlan | All your data fits on your office computer. Note: only user folders are backed up unless otherwise specified (by contacting ITS). For faculty and staff machines only. |
Google Drive | Your data needs to be shared with collaborators. |
CIFS Share | All your data doesn't fit on your computer, or you want to archive rarely used data and remove it from your computer. You have large >1TB storage needs. |
Please contact your Academic Technologist for more detailed information on how best to secure your data.