How to Set Up Your Public and Private Directories

WebFiles > Tutorials > How to set up your public and private directories

Summary: WebFiles is an effective tool to share files with others. Set up private and public directories using the settings below.

• Set up a Private directory
• Set up a Public directory
• Types of Users
• Types of Permissions
• Scope of Permissions

Set Up a Private Directory

1. The first time you login after creating your account you will see this:
   

2. You will notice that there are no directories or files located in your WebFiles space.
3. To create a directory, click on the New Directory button at the top.
   
4. This will open a new window that will enable you to type the name of the new directory. Type "private" in the Directory Name field and click on the "OK" button.
   

5. You will be returned to the directory listing for your account and will notice that you now have a directory titled "private" located there.
   
6. By default, directories are not shared. This directory will only be available to you unless you decide to share it.
7. You can repeat these steps for other directories that you create, depending on your needs.
   
   You can store any type of electronic file, however you are governed by the Computer and Network Use Policy and copyright laws. You are responsible for any file stored in your account.

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Set Up a Public Directory

2. To create a public directory, click on the New Directory button at the top of your directory listing.
   
3. This will open a new window that will enable you to type the name of the new directory. Type "public" in the Directory Name field and click on the "OK" button.
   

5. You will be returned to the directory listing for your account and will notice that you now have a directory titled "public" located there.
   
6. The default settings on new directories make them only available to you. In order to make a directory available to others, click on the Share icon in the directory you want to share.
7. The next page displays the current permissions for this directory. Check the box under the Read column for "Users with accounts" and "Public".
8. Click the Apply button. Leave Write, Delete and Administer unchecked.
   
9. The page will refresh, showing your new changes and ask you to confirm the changes. Click the OK button.
   
10. Click the Back button to go back to the main directory view.
11. You can repeat these steps for other directories that you create, depending on your needs.
    
    You can store any type of electronic file, however you are governed by the Computer and Network Use Policy and copyright laws. You are responsible for any file stored in your account.

Types of Users

• "Owner" is you.
• "Users with accounts" refer to other people who have WebFiles accounts.
• "Public" refers to the world at large; anyone with Internet access and the Web site address of this account can view the directory.

Types of Permission

• "Read" allows the specific category type the ability to read the directory in question and nothing more.
• "Write" allows the category to upload files and place them in the directory, but does not give the ability to remove files once they reside in the directory. Checking the "Delete" box will allow this.
• The "Administer" column allows the specific category to set permissions and a host of other features to the directory. OIT doesn't recommend allowing administration of a directory to anyone other than the owner of an account.

Scope of Permissions

• Apply changed settings to sub-directories and files
  The permissions set will be applied to this directory and any future file and directory created within it.
• Overwrite all permissions on all sub-directories and files
  The permissions set will be applied to all future and currently existing sub-directories and files within this directory.
• Only apply to this directory
  The permissions set will be applied to this directory only. All sub-directories and files created in the future within this directory will be granted permissions based on this directory's Inheritable Permissions.

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Last Updated: July 1, 2011

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