FAQ
From iFolder
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What is iFolder?
iFolder is a solution that allows people to easily share folders of files of any type with other users, whether they use the same or different operating systems. Thus, Linux, Windows and Macintosh users can all use iFolder and share folders. The iFolder client runs in two operating modes, enterprise sharing (with a server) and workgroup sharing (peer-to-peer, or without a server).
What is the difference between the two methods for sharing?
When using the iFolder 3.0 server, the iFolder client first synchronizes the files in your iFolders to the intermediate server, then replicates them to other computers. With the iFolder server, you can also access your files from an Internet Browser, as well as back up your files from the server to suitable back-up media.
Using iFolder to share without the server allows you to synchronize and share files between two or more computers without the requirement for an intermediate server to exchange files. This is accomplished through add-on modules being developed in the open-source community. There are two methods under development to allow users to share using Gaim, the open-source instant messaging client, and using Bonjour (Rendevous).
Can I participate in the iFolder Project?
Yes! iFolder is a work-in-progress that can benefit from active community involvement. We believe that your participation will help to make iFolder a fun and extremely useful software product.
Regardless of your skill level or time you have to commit to such a project, you can contribute to the iFolder project. We need help developing, documenting, translating, testing, and evangelizing iFolder. We invite you to participate in any manner that you feel comfortable with. There is a TODO list of things that need to be done.
Please jump in and help as you can. We appreciate all help that can be given.
What operating systems are supported by iFolder?
There are now 3 client builds of iFolder: one for Windows, one for Novell Linux Desktop, and one for Mac OS X.
You can share ifolders between whatever computers are running a version of iFolder. Thus, you could share iFolders between Linux, Windows, and Mac computers and use the files and folders as native files and folders.
Are other platforms going to be supported by the iFolder client?
We have focused primarily on Novell's Linux Desktop distribution, Windows XP and Mac OS X, but intend on it working on a variety of other distributions as both Novell and the communities testing efforts can support them.
On Linux, our dependencies are on Mono and GTK# - so they factor heavily into the platforms we initially develop.
I'm interested in the open-sourced iFolder 3.x server - how do I get it?
The iFolder Enterprise Server version 3.5.x and greater has been open-sourced and is now generally available.
For information about installing and using the open-sourced iFolder Enterprise Server, see the how-to section or the overview page.
I'm interested in the iFolder 3.2 server - how do I get it?
The iFolder 3.2 server was released as a component of Novell's Open Enterprise Server (http://www.novell.com/products/openenterpriseserver/) solution.
For information about installing and using iFolder 3.2 server, see the iFolder 3.x documentation Web site (http://www.novell.com/documentation/ifolder3).
I have iFolder 1.x or 2.x, does the open source project work with what I have?
The iFolder open source project is an entirely new product, based on the Mono framework. It is not designed to work with your existing iFolder 1.x or 2.x products.
To use the open source iFolder client for Windows, Linux and Mac, you either use it workgroup sharing mode or with an iFolder 3.x server.
How does it work?
After setting up the iFolder client and creating iFolders, files that are placed (saved, copied, etc.) into an iFolder are replicated in their entirety, either to other computers or users, or to the iFolder server.
As you change or edit your files, the iFolder client watches for those changes and then only synchronizes the part that changed, thus reduces the amount of time it takes to replicate a file - making it fast and efficient.
I can't seem to figure out how to share in workgroup mode, why not?
The sharing capabilities of workgroup mode have not been completed and enabled in the current stable versions. We plan on releasing this capability soon.
If I share files with other users, can they change my files?
When you share with other users, you can control whether or not they can replicate changes they make to your files. By setting the rights for those you share with, you can restrict them to read-only, read-write, or owner.
Read-only prevents changes they make from syncing back to your computer. Unless protected by password, you can't really prevent them from making changes to your files.
Can I share with someone outside my firewall using the iFolder workgroup features?
Although not completed, generally speaking, yes - you can share with someone outside your firewall, as long as your firewall does not restrict iFolder traffic. iFolder sends data over port 80 (HTTP), so it must be allowed through your firewall to give external users access to your iFolder server.
Something is not working - it might be a 'bug', what do I do?
We'd like to think we write perfect code, but if you do find a bug or defect, it only gets fixed if we know about it. Enter a defect or bug, and we'll take a look at it.
