The local hard drive (C:\local) is intended for temporary storage of data. The amount of data is limited by the size of the hard drive on the machine.

Any data stored on the C:\local is not backed up by the University and can usually be accessed by any user of the computer so should not be used for any confidential information.

The C:Local hard drive should be used for:

• Storing data whilst it is being processed or manipulated (e.g. video clips, large data sets) before moving it to the appropriate permanent location
• Information for which immediate regular access is needed when other information stores are not available / suitable (for example on a synchronized laptop which is disconnected from the University network)
• It should not be used for data which needs to be held confidentially, which needs to be backed up or for which you do not have legal entitlement to hold

To save documents on your local hard drive please see below:

Creating a Local Folder

• Click on Start
• Click on Computer
• Double left mouse click on OSDisk (C:)
• Double left mouse click on local
• From the File menu select New - Folder
• Enter a name for the folder such as your username

Note: other users on the pc will not be able to access your personal documents stored in this folder.

Creating a shortcut on your desktop

• Right mouse click on the folder
• Select Send to - Desktop (Create Shortcut)

Moving Files

• Double click on the Desktop shortcut to open your local (C:) folder in Windows explorer
• Click on Start - Computer - resource (J:) to open a second Windows explorer window
• Drag the required files from the J drive window to your local folder.