Transferring Files

There are several ways to copy files to/from Firebird.

Web via Open OnDemand

Open OnDemand offers a web interface to Firebird, including a graphical file manager, making it one of the most straightforward options to transfer files to/from Firebird. There is, however, a 10GB limit on transfers; should you need to transfer larger files, use one of the methods listed below.

macOS/Linux command line

scp is used to transfer files to/from Firebird; note that regardless whether you want to transfer files to OR from Firebird, you initiate the command from your local computer, not from Firebird. In other words, you are either pushing files to Firebird or pulling them from Firebird.

Use scp command on your computer to copy files to Firebird:

scp <path to file on your computer> <your username>@firebird.swarthmore.edu:/home/<your username>

Here is an example of user Alice Paul copying a file from a folder on her computer to her home directory on Firebird:

scp /Users/apaul1/votingdata/data.csv apaul1-swat@firebird.swarthmore.edu:~

It also works to copy files from Firebird to your computer:

scp <your username>@firebird.swarthmore.edu:<path to file on Firebird> <path to folder on your computer>

Use the -r flag to copy multiple files or folders recursively.  Here is an example of user Alice Paul copying all .csv files from a folder on her computer to her home directory on Strelka:

CyberDuck graphical file transfer for macOS/Windows/Linux

CyberDuck is a free graphical program that can be used to transfer files to and from Firebird.  Download and install CyberDuck and then set up an SFTP connection to Firebird:

  • Click Open Connection

  • Select SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) from the drop-down list

  • Set Server to firebird.swarthmore.edu

  • Set Username to your Firebird username

  • Leave Password blank

  • Select the file containing your SSH Private Key (likely named id_ed25519)

  • Click Connect

Other Windows Options

PuTTY SCP (PSCP) is a command line version of scp for Windows.  

WinSCP is an open source file transfer application.

Ways you can contact ITS or find information:

ITS Support Portal: https://support.swarthmore.edu
Email: support@swarthmore.edu
Phone: x4357 (HELP) or 610-328-8513
Check out our remote resources at https://swatkb.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/remote/overview
Check our homepage at https://swarthmore.edu/its