CIFS Access to Streaming Files
IT Connect > Web > Streaming > Using CIFS
Overview
Beginning in March 2011 the UW-IT streaming media file storage service offers some enhanced features. This new system allows public_media directories to be accessed (using Common Internet File System - CIFS) from desktop clients, and provides better data redundancy with daily 'snapshot' backups.
This page presents gives a basic definition of CIFS, then goes on to provide the information a CIFS user needs to access their files in the Streaming Media service. We will not include instructions for using CIFS on different desktop computers here.
What is CIFS?
CIFS is an acronym for Common Internet File System. It allows computers to access remote files much like they would local files. For example, you could copy a file from your desktop computer to the streaming media file server by simply dragging it between folders.
If you need help getting your desktop computer to make the CIFS network connection to see your Streaming Media files, look for documentation for your operating system. Likely terms to search for include "CIFS," "map network drive" and "OSX connect to server.
How to Access Streaming Media Files Using CIFS
CIFS is built-in to many products, and the vendor documentation for those products will help you use CIFS. The information here provides the details you will need about the Streaming Media file server.
Note that use of CIFS from off-campus locations is not supported except by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection.
The hostname of the streaming media file server CIFS service is
files.uw.eduThe sharename of your files is
public_mediaYour CIFS client may combine hostname and sharename into a single data item called a "network folder". In addition to the network folder, you or your software will need to provide a username and password. The username is
netid\username
Where you substitute in your own UW NetID for username. The password is your UWNetID password. There are some scenarios in which your desktop will automatically try a (username, password) pair for you. If the username and password in the automatic pair are correct, you will gain access to the share without having to type a password. If the username or password in the automatic pair is not correct, there may be a delay before you are prompted for a password.
Mac OSX syntaxcifs://files.uw.edu/public_mediaWindows syntax
\\files.uw.edu\public_media
