3.1. Accessing Your File Manager

One of the most useful (and unique) features of AUC is its graphical File Manager, which lets you create, organize, and modify files and folders right from the web. When your Start Page appears, there will be a FILE SERVER panel; click on the link provided to access your personal "Home Directory."

3.2. Choosing a User Mode

When using the File Manager, there are two levels of control and information that you can choose from. Which mode you choose to operate in should depend heavily upon how familiar you are with the AUC file management system; you can specify either "Standard" or "Expert" file view in the Global Preferences (Section 1.2) screen. There are two fundamental differences between the modes. These are:

FILE CREATION: When you use AUC to create new files, a dialogue is opened that asks you to specify what type of file you would like to create. In "Standard" mode, you will simply be asked whether to create a file or a folder. In "Expert" mode, you can opt to create a specific type of file (text, HTML, or fixed-width text). If you are not familiar with these file types, you may prefer to remain in "Standard" mode.

USER INTERFACE: When working in the AUC file manager system, you will notice a number of black-and-white icons which allow you to execute different functions. If you are not clear on what these icons do, then you may wish to work in "Standard" mode, which provides a key to the functions. If you are familiar with the icons and their functions, you can clear up space on your screen by switching to "Expert" mode, which displays the icons without explanations. In addition, "Standard" mode will hide the extensions of known file types (.txt, .html, .doc), while "Expert" mode will display all file extensions.

For reference, the following are the icons which will appear in AUC's file manager system, and their functions:

	CREATE new file or folder
	UPLOAD file from disk
	MODIFY existing file
	DOWNLOAD file to disk
	DELETE file or folder
	RENAME file

3.3. Creating New Files & Folders

The process of creating a new file or folder in AUC's file management system is fairly straightforward. Simply click on the DOCUMENT icon to open the "New File or Folder" dialogue, and specify which you would like. If you are in "Standard" file view, you will need to specify either "Text File" or "Folder", and a name. If you are in "Expert" file view, you will need to choose between "Text File", "Folder", "HTML-formatted text", and "Fixed Text". Descriptions of each are provided in the file creation dialogue.

NOTE: If you are creating HTML-formatted text in the "Expert" file view, you do not need to specify the ".html" extension when creating a new file -- it will be added for you.

3.4. Modifying Existing Files

Once you have created files, you can modify them as often as you like. To modify an existing file, simply click the PENCIL logo -- this will open the file for editing. When you have made your changes, click "Save", and the changes will be written to your file. If you wish to rename a file or folder, click the R logo in the file manager.

NOTE: Future releases of AUC will offer the ability to move files between directories, a feature not currently available. They will also offer the ability to cancel changes to a file which is being modified, if you do not wish to save.

3.5. Uploading and Downloading

One of the most useful features of AUC's file management system is the ability to upload and download text files from any computer connected to the internet. This means that files can be accessed from home and school, allowing students to begin reports in the school library, finish them at home, then print them in school. This functionality is enhanced by the ability to view formatted MS Word files in AUC -- when MS Word files are uploaded, they can be viewed in the browser window with all formatting intact. (Please note that this functionality is not currently available on systems running IRIX, but is working on LINUX based copies of AUC.)

To upload files to AUC's directories, click on the UP-ARROW. This will open a screen which allows you to browse your hard drive and select a file. When you have selected a file, click "Upload" on the screen and it will automatically be transferred to your directory. When the upload is complete, you will automatically be returned to your file directory.

To download files from AUC's directories, click on the DOWN-ARROWs which appear next to individual files. Most items can be saved directly to your hard drive. With some multimedia files, such as QuickTime movies, it may be necessary to view them on the screen first, then save manually.