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VUspace

Frequently Asked Questions


What are the benefits of VUspace?

VUspace gives you "nomadic" file space, available to you from just about any networked campus computer you might use. For example, you could use your VUspace to start a homework assignment in your dorm room, later work on the same file in a lab, and then finish it back in your room -- all without having to keep up with a diskette.

VUspace gives you "insurance" -- a place to store extra copies of your files.

VUspace gives you access to some commonly-used data sets. ITS Instruction & Research Services has placed these data sets on a portion of VUspace that is accessible by all Vanderbilt students, faculty and staff using Windows.

VUspace gives you a place to put your web page. You should find a folder named public_web.. an index.html file that you put in public_web will automatically be displayed at http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~first.m.lastname where first.m.lastname is any of your email address varients ( BCAs).

In the future, VUspace will give you a way to share files and other resources over the network.

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Who can have space?

Students, faculty and staff with a current VUnetID are eligible for VUspace.

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How much space can I have?

Initial quota for individual VUspace is currently 100 megabytes. You can increase your VUspace quota as needed.

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What should I know before using VUspace?

Your VUspace is authenticated by your VUnetID and password, which helps ensure that only you have access to files you store there. An exception is a folder named public_web, created only if you choose to make your webspace viewable by the public (remember that making your webspace viewable by the public means that your web page can be viewed from anywhere on the Internet, worldwide).

If you use VUspace on a shared computer, such as in a lab, always be sure to unmount your VUspace when you are finished. If you don't unmount, the next person to use the computer will have access to the files in your VUspace.

VUspace is provided in support of Vanderbilt's academic mission. Please note that Vanderbilt University's policy on computer privileges and responsibilities applies to VUspace.

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How do I get started?

  • You will need a VUnetID. If you haven't already done so, activate your VUnetID.
  • If you use VUspace from a Macintosh computer running OS 9 or earlier, your VUnetID password can be no longer than eight characters. Change your password if it is more than eight characters and you will be using a Macintosh.
  • Now you're ready to use your VUspace! Read the next question to see how to "mount" the drive on your computer.

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How do I mount my VUspace?

To access your VUspace, you "mount" it to the computer you are using. The process for mounting your VUspace is slightly different for different computer platforms. Check the "Support Info" section of the main VUspace page for more info.

If mounting VUspace from a lab, consult the procedures for that lab -- and don't forget to unmount VUspace when you are finished. If you don't unmount, the next person to use the computer will have access to the files in your VUspace.

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How do I save files to VUspace?

Whenever VUspace is mounted to your computer, saving files to your VUspace is just like saving files to a hard drive or diskette. You can use the "File, Save as" menu from within an application. Alternately, you can "drag and drop" existing files onto your VUspace icon.

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How do I access the research data sets that are on VUspace?

To access the research data sets, you mount the 'datasets' VUspace. For details, refer to ITS Instruction & Research Services's web page, which has instructions for mounting the data sets, information about data analytic and storage issues, and other guidance on using VUspace for research purposes.

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How do I create a web page in VUspace?

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  How do I unmount my VUspace?

How you unmount VUspace depends on what computer platform you are using. If you're using a Macintosh, simply drag your VUspace icon into the trash. If you're using Windows, right-click on the icon that you used to mount VUspace. Select "Disconnect Network Drive..." from the menu. Then, in the "Drive:" panel, select the drive letter that corresponds to VUspace and click OK.

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Can I use VUspace if I'm dialing in?

Currently, VUspace should work if you dial in with VUaccess. If you connect through a commercial Internet service provider (ISP) such as BellSouth, EarthLink, AOL or Comcast, you must use Vanderbilt's Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access VUspace.

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I get an error message when I try to view my VUspace web page. What's wrong?

To be automatically viewable, your web page must be in the public_web directory of your VUspace, and it must have one of the following names:

  • index.html
  • index.htm
  • homepage.html
  • homepage.htm
  • default.html
  • default.htm

The VUspace web server looks for one of those file names, in the order listed. If it fails to find a file with one of those names, it displays an error message.

You should also be sure that you have made your webspace viewable by the public. To do so, go to the Modify VUspace options page.

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How can people find my web page in VUspace?

  • When you claimed your VUspace, you were asked whether or not you wanted your webspace viewable by the public. If you have not made your webspace viewable by the public, do so now by going to the Modify VUspace options page.
  • Your web page (an index.html file) can be found at http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~first.m.lastname where first.m.lastname is any of your email address varients, or Business Card Addresses (BCAs).
  • The address of VUspace web pages are shown in VUdirectory.

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Where can I find out more about VUspace?

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Why can't I mount VUspace using Comcast?

As of December 22, 2003, you must use Vanderbilt's Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access VUspace from off-campus if you're not connecting via VUaccess.

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Does VUspace support Perl?

No, Perl is not supported on VUspace.

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How come I can't connect with my Mac?

In OS 8 and 9 you have to use ONLY the first 8 characters of your password. In OS X you use the whole password.

Every once in a while a specific process running on the VUspace servers begin taking up too much of the CPU. When this happens Mac users are unable to access VUspace. Once ITS is aware of the problem we can kill the process and service will be restored to those users. If you believe this to be happening in the future, please contact ITS Partner Support staff by sending email to its-partner@vande~bilt.edu and / or by calling 615-936-ITSP.

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My machine is not connected to the Vanderbilt Domain, how do I access my group VUspace?

Input Vanderbilt/VUnetID when logging in.

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