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  Installing and Using the iFolder Client for Windows XP

Novell iFolder is a software solution that allows you t o securely synchronize any local files that you've placed in your iFolder directory across all your workstations and the iFolder server. All you need is an active Internet or network connection and the iFolder client.

iFolder provides the following benefits:

1. Automatically backs up your local files to the iFolder server
2. Transparently updates your files to your other workstations with the iFolder client

Installing the iFolder Client on Your Workstations

Novell iFolder 2.1 currently only works on Windows computers.Mac users will need to utilize iFolder 3.

Install the iFolder client on every workstation that you typically use, including your desktops and laptops at work and home.The client will work with Windows 98, 2000, XP and Vista.Special instructions are needed for Vista.

Before installing the client

In order to use iFolder, your user ID must be set up on the server first.If you are not sure this is done, contact the MyCarthage Resource Center or send a message to mcrc@carthage.edu to inquire.

Installing the client

1. From a Web browser, download the iFolder client installer as follows:

   a. Go to the iFolder Web site at http://ifolder.carthage.edu:52080

   b. Click on the iFolder link under the End User Software list on the left

   c. Click the link "Download iFolder Windows client" in the yellow box at the upper right

   d. Click the Run button to run the installer.

2. Follow the on-screen instructions during the install.

   a. Read and accept the End User License Agreement. You must close the window and THEN click Yes to accept the agreement.

   b. Specify the directory path where you want to install the iFolder client. By default, this path is c:\program files\novell\ifolder.

   c. View the Readme file, if desired.

   d. You will be prompted to reboot.  Do so.

Configuring the client

When you reboot, you will automatically get an iFolder login window.The first time you log in to iFolder, it will create and activate an iFolder account for you on the server. You must configure the iFolder client before you can use it, as follows

1. Read the Setup Complete message, then click Continue.

2. Complete the login information:

   a. Type your iFolder user ID, which is the same as your Novell login. For example, acatt or jsmith.

   b. Type your Novell password.

   c. Specify the iFolder Server as: ifolder.carthage.edu:52080

   d. To place a shortcut to your local iFolder directory on your current desktop, check the iFolder Shortcut check box. This setting can vary between workstations.

   e. Click Login.

3. Browse to and select the area on your hard drive where you want to create your local iFolder directory and store your iFolder files, then click OK.We recommend that you accept the default location of My Documents\iFolder.Note:Do NOT choose "My Documents" if you have more than 200MB in that folder since the limit on iFolder is 200MB.

Remember that ONLY the documents you place in the designated folder will automatically synchronize with the server.If you save documents in folders other than the one designated as your local iFolder directory, they will not be backed up using iFolder.Your local iFolder directory can be in a different location on each of your workstations, if desired.

4. Specify your security preferences.

   a. If you check the Save Password check box, the iFolder client will save your password and log in automatically to the iFolder server from this workstation.We do not recommend this; uncheck this box.

iFolder prompts you for the user password whenever you log in to the iFolder server, which is generally every time you login to the computer. If you save the password, you do not see the Login dialog box during the login process.

iFolder synchronizes your files as soon as you log in to the iFolder server and intermittently after that as long as you have an active connection to the server.

To modify your Save Password preference later: Log in to iFolder, right-click the iFolder icon in the system tray, click Account Information > Preferences, then check or uncheck the Remember Password check box.

   b. (Highly recommended) Check the Encrypt Files check box to encrypt your files for transmission and for storage on the iFolder server.

iFolder stores your iFolder data locally in clear text. If you enable encryption, iFolder encrypts your iFolder data before it sends files across public or private connections to be stored on the iFolder server and synchronized to your other workstations. Files remain encrypted on the iFolder server and in transit. When it downloads files from the iFolder server, iFolder decrypts files as they arrive at the workstation and stores them locally in clear text. This setting applies for the life of the account and across all workstations.

   c. Click OK.

5. If you enabled encryption in Step 4.b, specify your encryption passphrase preferences.

   a. Specify your encryption passphrase, then type it again to confirm it.

iFolder uses the passphrase to create the encryption key that it uses to encrypt files it uploads and decrypt files it downloads between your computer and the iFolder server.

   b. Specify a hint that helps remind you of your passphrase.

If you forget your passphrase or type an incorrect passphrase, iFolder automatically responds with the hint you provide. For example, Mother's maiden name, Dog's nickname, or My favorite song.

   c. Check the Remember Passphrase check box to enable the iFolder client to save your passphrase and enter the passphrase automatically during the login process.

iFolder prompts you for the encryption passphrase whenever you log in to the iFolder server. If you save the passphrase, you do not see the Passphrase dialog box during the iFolder login process.

To modify your Remember Passphrase preference later: Log in to iFolder, right-click the iFolder icon in the system tray, click Account Information > Preferences, then check or uncheck the Remember Passphrase check box.

   d. Click OK.

   e. (Highly recommended) Check the Enable Passphrase Recovery check box to enable your iFolder administrator to recover your passphrase.

If this option is enabled, iFolder encrypts your passphrase using the iFolder administrator's Security Passphrase and stores it encrypted on the iFolder server. If you forget your passphrase and your passphrase hint does not help you recall it, your iFolder administrator can access your passphrase and tell you what it is.

   f. Click OK.

Your Passphrase, Hint, and Passphrase Recovery settings apply for the life of the account and across all workstations. The Remember Passphrase option applies only to the current workstation and is modifiable.

6. The iFolder client logs in to the iFolder server and uses your configuration information to create and activate your account on the iFolder server. If the login succeeds and the connection between the iFolder client and the iFolder server is active, the iFolder icon changes from dimmed to colored in your system tray.

If you enabled the desktop shortcut in Step 2.d, iFolder places the shortcut on the desktop. If there is no shortcut, right-click the iFolder icon in the system tray, then click Open iFolder to access your local iFolder directory.

7. Synchronize your files.

   a. If this is the first time you are installing the iFolder client, you must place the files you want to synchronize in the local iFolder directory that you specified in Step 4. Open your directory browser, then move or copy the files to your local iFolder directory.

   b. If your system administrator enabled automatic synchronization, the iFolder client synchronizes files with the iFolder server immediately. If not, click the iFolder icon, then click Sync Now.

If this is the first iFolder client install, iFolder uploads the files from the local iFolder directory to the iFolder server. For subsequent client installs to other workstations, iFolder downloads files from the iFolder server to the local iFolder directory.

Using the iFolder Client

After you install and configure the Novell iFolder client, an iFolder client session begins each time your restart your computer. An iFolder icon appears in your system tray. Activate your Internet or network connection and log in to the iFolder server when you want iFolder to synchronize your files automatically or on demand.

You can access your local iFolder directory and files using your default directory browser. If you placed a shortcut on your desktop, double-click this shortcut to open a directory browser to your local iFolder directory. You can also right-click the iFolder icon in the system tray, then select Open iFolder to access your local iFolder directory.

As you work with your local files, the iFolder client session runs in the background to track and log any changes you make to the files in your local iFolder directory. Activate your Internet connection and log in to the iFolder server to activate the synchronization process. iFolder downloads and uploads your personal files instantly and securely, if encryption is enabled. You can remain logged in for continuous synchronization, or log in periodically, depending on the requirements of your work environment. Your connection to the iFolder server can break if the server or the connection becomes unavailable or if you set your Web browser to work offline.

The iFolder server backs up your local files and enables you to synchronize files among your many workstations. Your files are always protected on the network and easily recovered if your local data is lost. And later, when you move to a different location or a different workstation, and log in to the iFolder server, the iFolder client automatically updates your local iFolder directory to reflect the work you did elsewhere.

iFolder Documentation

To access Help for the iFolder client, right-click the iFolder icon in your system tray, then click Help.