Roaming Profiles Beta
Summary
The CLC Macintosh Systems Administrators have begun a beta test of roaming profiles for Macintosh lab computers. A group of 25 lab consultants is involved in the beta test. The profiles will store aspects of a user's home directory such as browser settings, files/folders on the desktop, iTunes library and desktop background. If the first beta is successful, a larger second beta is planned for sometime during the Spring 2008 semester.
While the FAQ below is targeted toward members of the beta, anyone can read the FAQ to get a better understanding of Macintosh roaming profiles.
Roaming Profiles Beta FAQ:
What is expected of the beta members?
- The only thing we expect from you is that you tell us what you think. Please communicate any suggestions, problems or any other feedback regarding Roaming Profiles. We would also like to hear what other applications, folders and/or system settings you would like to be preserved.
Since you are doing the beta, does that mean we can expect Roaming Profiles to be deployed in the future?
- Hopefully. Depending on your feedback and any issues you encounter, we may be forced to go back to the drawing board.
What aspects of my home directory will be preserved?
- Desktop - Any files or folders saved on the desktop.
- Desktop Background Picture - Make sure to store the image in the 'Pictures' folder of your home folder.
- Safari & Firefox - Browser preferences, history, bookmarks, etc.
- iTunes & the 'Music' folder - Your iTunes Library and preferences.
- iPhoto & the 'Pictures' folder - Your iPhoto Library and preferences.
- iChat & Adium - iChat and Adium preferences.
- Dock - Dock size, placement, programs, etc.
- Dashboard - Install and customize widgets; including third-party widgets.
- Keychain - The keychain can save your username/password for websites, programs, network drives, etc.
- Fonts - Custom fonts you install.
- Miscellaneous Preferences - Finder and Terminal preferences.
Where is my profile stored?
- Your profile is stored on your U-Drive, in the folder 'Macintosh User Profile'.
Can I access the files in my profile when I am not logged into a lab Mac?
- Yes, you can access the files in your profile from anywhere you can access the U-Drive. As an example, if you wanted to access a file that was saved on your desktop, you would mount your U-Drive and locate the file in 'Macintosh User Profile/Desktop'.
Is there a limit to the size of my profile or the files I save?
- Since your settings are stored on the U-Drive, you are limited to the amount of storage space you have available there. To store larger files, save them to your PASS, a USB drive, etc.
Is my data safe?
- While we will make every effort to preserve your data, this is a beta and we cannot guarantee everything will work correctly. Please, please backup your documents/projects somewhere besides your profile.
If I am automatically logged out, will my profile be retained?
- Yes, if you are logged out due to inactivity, your profile will be retained.
Does my profile work with my personal Mac?
- No, you cannot mount your profile on your personal Mac. You could, however, mount the U-Drive and copy files to/from your profile.
Can I authorize a lab Mac to play purchased music in iTunes?
- Technically, you can but it is NOT recommended because logging out without de-authorizing the machine will increase your authorized machine count but you will no longer be able to play purchased music on that machine. If you do authorize a lab Mac, make sure you de-authorize it before logging out.
This site maintained by the Classroom and Lab Computing group of Information Technology Services.
Suggestions and comments about this web site: CLC Webmasters; Other contacts here.
This page was last modified: 1/24/2008 11:05:54 PM.