The college provides several ways for Swarthmore researchers to store and back up their data.
Research Data Storage and Backup Systems
Code42 (formerly CrashPlan)
Code42 is Swarthmore's main computer backup system. 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, lab, and research computers. More information is available on the Computer Backup help page.
Google Drive
Swarthmore's Google Drive storage is unlimited and can be easily accessed from anywhere and shared with colleagues. Research groups are usually best served with an AODocs folder in Google Drive that will manage permissions. To get an AODocs folder set up for your lab, visit the AODocs Folders within Google Drive page.
CIFS Share
For groups that need a simple way to share files internally, ITS can set up a Common Internet File System (CIFS) share. 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 |
|---|---|
| Code42 | All your data fits on your office or lab computer. |
| Google Drive / AODocs | All your your data doesn't fit on your computer or you want to archive rarely used data and remove it from your computer Your data needs to be shared with collaborators |
| CIFS Share | All your your data doesn't fit on your computer or you want to archive rarely used data and remove it from your computer You need to share data among Swarthmore users |
Please get in touch with your Academic Technologist for more detailed information on how best to secure your data.