There are a couple of ways to connect to a folder that has been shared over the network. The fastest way is by typing the Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path in the Start, Run dialog box. The UNC defines the path to a shared folder using the format \\server\sharename.
The server is the computer where the shared folder is stored, and the share name is the name given to the shared folder when the
share was set up.
Another way to connect to shared network resources is by using the My Network Places window. Using the My Network Places window will allow you to create a shortcut that will make it easier to access a shared resource. You can then access the shared resource by double-clicking on a shortcut, instead of having to reenter its address each time you want to make a connection.
This window can be accessed by selecting Start, My Network Places.
If you do not see this option, you may have to make it visible by accessing the Properties for the task bar. Right-click somewhere on the task bar and select Properties.
Next, click on Start Menu tab, then the Customize button.
In the Advanced
tab, make sure there is a check next to My Network Places.
Once you have the My Network Places window open, select Add a network place from the task list on the left.
Click on Next and then select “Choose another network location” and click on Next once again.
On the following screen, you can enter the UNC path or click on the Browse button to locate the shared folder in a listing of network locations.
If you are connecting to a computer on a Windows network, you will have to click on Entire Network, then
Microsoft Windows Network.
A list of different workgroups may then be displayed. You will probably see an entry for Workgroup. This is often the default workgroup name given when Windows is installed. If you expand Workgroup you will see the names of all the computers that are part of that workgroup. Expanding the computer name will then show the shared folders available on that computer. Select a folder you
want to connect to and then press OK. On the next screen, provide a name to identify this shortcut in the My Network Places window.
To finish creating the shortcut, click on Next, then Finish.
Yet another way to access shared folders over the network is by mapping a network drive. When you map a network drive, the shared
resource is assigned a drive letter (such as F: or whatever the next available letter is after all USB drives and CD drives have had theirs assigned). You can then access the shared folder in My Computer the same way you access your C: drive or a USB drive. To map a network drive, open up My Computer and select Tools, Map Network Drive.
Select an available drive letter and then enter the UNC path to the
shared folder or use the Browse button.
If you want the shared folder to be visible every time you open My Computer, even if you log off and then log back in, make sure there is a check next to Reconnect at logon.
Connecting to (a.k.a. mapping) network drives allows University members to access files stored on University servers. Storing files on
network drives provides a user more storage space, backups of their files, and secure ways of sharing files between departments.
Considerations when mapping a network drive:
- In order to map a network drive, users must be granted permission by their department or supervisor to access the material. If a user is in need of permissions, supervisors or departments can submit a Departmental Data Storage request
form.
- Due to HIPAA compliance, AHC drive mappings are not typically permitted.
Mapping a network drive
Mapping a network drive in Windows 10
- Connect to Split Tunnel or Full Tunnel VPN if off campus.
- Click the Start
menu.
- Click File Explorer.
- Click This PC in the left side shortcut
menu.
- Click Computer > Map network drive > Map network drive to enter Mapping
wizard.
- Confirm drive letter to use (next available shows up by default).
- Enter the server path for the network folder (e.g. \\files.umn.edu\NAME\FOLDER, or
\\files.umn.edu\OIT\Subfolder).
- Used letters are followed by server paths in parentheses.
- Tip: Select Reconnect at
sign-in to connect this drive every time Windows starts.
- Select Connect using different credentials if using a computer that is not University-owned.
- Enter ad.umn.edu\your Internet ID and password when prompted.
- Or, you can use [email protected]
- Not sure if your computer is University-owned?
- Check the computer name.
- University-owned machines typically have names that start with UMN or end with .ad.umn.edu.
- Click Finish at the bottom of the window.
- Find the network drive located in
the Network locations section of This PC.
Mapping a shared folder in Mac OS X
- Connect to Split Tunnel or Full Tunnel VPN if off campus.
- Click Finder in the Dock.
- Find Go in the top menu bar.
- Click
Connect to Server (command + k).
- Type cifs: + the network drive path (e.g.
cifs://files.umn.edu/OIT).
- Note: Your department may give you the path as \\files.umn.edu\NAME, but Mac paths use forward slashes, not backslashes.
- Try smb: + network drive path if cifs: does not work.
- Tip: Click the + button to save frequently used network drive paths for future
use.
- Type AD\ + your Internet ID and your password
if prompted.
- Note: Use a backslash (\), not a forward slash (/). Use AD\ if computer is not bound to the
AD. Use your Internet ID only if the computer is bound to the AD.
- Alternately, you can use [email protected]
- Click Connect.
- To navigate back to your network drive share.
- Click Finder.
- Click files.umn.edu under Shared
in the left hand Finder menu.
- Navigate to the folder that was shared with you.
- Note: While all of the folders in
files.umn.edu are visible, you can only see the contents of folders specifically shared with you.
Which net command is used on a Windows PC to establish a connection?
The net start command is used to start a network service or list running network services. Use the net statistics command to show the network statistics log for the Server or Workstation service. The net stop command is used to stop a network service.
Which command is used to establish connection?
In Linux, the telnet command is used to create a remote connection with a system over a TCP/IP network. It allows us to administrate other systems by the terminal. We can run a program to conduct administration.
What is Windows net command?
The "Net Accounts" command is used to set the policy settings on local computer, such as Account policies and password policies. This command can't be used on domain controller. This command is only used on local computer.
What does net view command do?
Displays a list of domains, computers, or resources that are being shared by the specified computer. Used without parameters, net view displays a list of computers in your current domain.