Novell iFolder
Frequently Asked Questions
Novell iFolder FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the iFolder Solution
Technology Questions
Q: What differentiates iFolder from the competition?
A: Many other file synchronization products require a VPN to access files remotely, Novell iFolder does not. Other products also require that the entire file be updated even if only a simple change is made. Novell iFolder only updates the changed portions of a file, thus optimizing bandwidth from modem connections.
Q: What is different in the Professional Edition that is not in the Standard Edition that is bundled with NetWare 6?
A: Professional Edition includes support for Windows 2000/NT, Linux and Solaris Servers. Professional Edition also includes reporting tools to track iFolder usage. With the professional edition you can also operate multiple iFolder servers as a single system, thus scaling to thousands/millions of users.
Q: Why doesn't iFolder require a VPN to access files remotely? Isn't this a security compromise?
A: Novell iFolder has two levels of security. First, Novell eDirectory prevents unwanted access to an iFolder account. Second, iFolder uses Blowfish 128-bit key encryption to encrypt the actual files while delivered over the Net and while on the server. Only the owner of the file will be able to decrypt and view the file. If you access files via the Web, SSL is also used.
Q: Can iFolder keep files on two servers in sync?
A: No, iFolder is an Internet file solution that keeps your files up to date between any workstation you use. It does not keep your servers in sync.
Q: Is iFolder available for PDA's?
A: Novell iFolder Professional Edition supports PDA access through SSL.
Q: Does iFolder keep track of the last modification if multiple users access the same file at the same time?
A: The latest file that is saved is the file that is updated on the server. Other versions of the same file that are modified but not synchronized are deposited in the iFolder conflict bin where they can be retrieved.
Q: How is authentication and user security accomplished? eDirectory? Active Directory? NT Domains?
A: In the Standard Edition authentication is handled through eDirectory or any LDAP, version 3 or later. The Professional Edition currently uses eDirectory for authentication.
Q: Does it ONLY backup items in the iFolder directory? Will it backup files if there is a shortcut in the iFolder directory?
A: It only backs up files in the iFolder directory. Users can chose which directory they designate as their iFolder directory during the installation process.
Q: What are the resources required on the backend?
A: See System Requirements
Q: Can iFolder be managed via ConsoleONE?
A: The users are managed through ConsoleONE or any standard Web browser.
Q: Is iFolder only available for Apache/IIS? Is there any operability with the other Novell Web servers?
A: Only through Apache and IIS
Q: Does iFolder require it's own client or will it work with Client32?
A: iFolder does have an end-user client that resides on each machine. You can still get access to your files without a client through any standard Web browser and SSL.
Q: Can you change the c:\my documents\iFolder to a different directory?
A: Yes, the user can designate which directory on their hard drive they want for the iFolder directory.
Q: How does iFolder keep track of changes? If a change occurs, does the date/time stamp get updated?
A: The iFolder client watches the file system for changes and syncs any changes to the files. Yes, the date and time stamp get updated.
Q: Can we exclude any folder from the backup process?
A: Currently any and all documents in "my documents/iFolder directory" are synchronized. A future release will allow you to designate which folders on the hard drive are synchronized.
Q: How does iFolder handle multiple changes from different clients?
A: iFolder accepts the file with the latest time stamp into the iFolder directory. If the same file is saved on another machine with an earlier time stamp, the file is saved in the iFolder conflict bin and can be restored at any time.
Q: When accessing iFolder through the browser do I have to download to make data changes and then upload again. Or do I access and save the same as I would from a LAN connection.
A: Yes, you must download a file, work on it, then upload it again. If
you use the Java Applet. NetWare 6 will also come with a technology called NetStorage that will allow WebDAV or WebFolder access to your iFolder files. MS Office 2000 or better support WebFolders.
Q: Could I use the same ifolder client machine for access two different iFolder accounts?
A: Yes, You can login and out of different iFolder accounts. Each account will then have it's own folder on the local hard drive.