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File Transfer Options

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School of Pharmacy•

UCSF School of Pharmacy

File Transfer Options

There are many occasions during the PharmD degree program when you will need to copy files from one computer to another. And sometimes you'll need to copy a file that is too large for whatever media you happen to have in your hand. There are many ways to accomplish this task, and some of these ways may influence your purchasing decisions. The discussion below helps you decide which forms of transferring files are best for you at UCSF.

What skill level in transferring files is expected?

Everyone has different skills and needs when it comes to the ability to transfer files. Since USB drives have so many advantages for this purpose, we require you to have at least a 1 GB USB drive. However, other methods of transferring files are equally acceptable, and we recommend that you become comfortable doing so using more than one method.

If you can successfully copy a file larger than 1.5 MB from your computer to another computer using your USB drive and one other method listed below, then you have met our expectations.

We strongly encourage you to become familiar with as many of the options below as possible because computers on campus vary from room to room -- you won't always have your preferred file transfer option available.

File Transfer Options

Some of the most popular options are summarized in the table below, with longer descriptions of some of them afterwards.

 

Advantages

Disadvantages

Floppy Drive

Some computers on campus have one, but they are no longer as common as they once were.

Only stores 1.4 MB, which may be inadequate for some needs.

CD-RW drive

Virtually every computer on campus can read a CD-ROM, holds up to 700 MB.

CD-RW drives require a more tedious process called "burning" to copy files to a CD -- it's not as easy as copying files with USB drives.

DVD±RW drive

Stores 4.7 GB, which is about 6.5 times more capacity than CD-RW discs. Most computers on campus have not yet upgraded to Blu-Ray technology, which can store up to 50 GB.

DVD±RW drives require a more tedious process called "burning" to copy files to a DVD -- it's not as easy as copying files with USB drives. Not every computer on campus can read the various flavors of DVD discs.

USB Drives

Essentially all computers on campus have USB ports, more expensive USB drives provide additional security options.

These small objects can be lost or stolen, requires easy access to USB ports, can be more expensive per megabyte than other options.

iPods

Essentially all computers on campus have USB ports. iPods not only enable you to listen to music and watch videos. You can use them to listen to recorded lectures. They can also provide PDA-like features (address book, notes, calendar, etc.). More details: Using your iPod as a storage drive.

iPods are a prime target for thieves, iPods can be lost, and they are more expensive than USB drives.

Virtual Disk Drives (VDD)

No hardware or media costs; nothing to carry around to get lost, damaged, or stolen; virtually every computer on campus has access to the web.

Less useful when you have very large files and a slow internet connection at home, some VDD services require a monthly fee, has the slowest data transfer rates, potentially less secure if you're worried about privacy or confidential data.

Wireless Networking

No media costs; can easily transmit files larger than 4.7 GB.

Most viable only with portable computers, requires some initial configuration, not all campus locations are wireless-networking-accessible, slow data transfer rates compared to most other methods.

Wired Networking

No media costs; can easily transmit files larger than 4.7 GB.

Only viable with laptop computers, requires some initial configuration, not all campus locations are wired-networking-accessible, must carry a cable.

What are USB drives?

Also known as jump drives, flash drives, and flash memory, USB drives store data using technology with no moving parts. They enable you to carry gigabytes of data on an object that's small enough to enclose in your hand. See USB drive prices.

What are virtual disk drives?

Virtual disk drives (VDDs) use web-based networks to store files and to copy files from one computer to another. If your home computer can access the web and if the computer to which you need to copy a file can also access the web, then you can upload the file from one location and download the file from the other -- a virtual disk drive. Because you're using some company's servers for the storage, this method is a service and does not require a hardware purchase (except for hardware to connect to the internet). Some VDDs are free; additional features require a per-month fee. Examples: JungleDisk, Yahoo! Briefcase, Xdrive. See a list of virtual disk drive providers. If you choose this option, we strongly recommend that you seek a VDD provider that transmits and stores your data using encryption. Also, with this option we recommend broadband instead of a dialup connection at home because you might need to transfer very large files.

What is wireless networking?

Many campus locations support wireless networking -- bring your 802.11b- or 802.11g-equipped laptop, configure it to use Wireless Access, and your computer can access the internet and the local network in certain areas of campus. Not all areas on campus are covered by the wireless network. The campus does not support the older 802.11a wireless protocol. The campus does not yet support the newer 802.11n wireless protocol. Be aware that having 802.11g does not guarantee you 802.11g speeds. If someone using 802.11b connects to your 802.11g access point, everyone using that access point drops down to the 802.11b speed. See Should I buy a laptop? for a comparison between wired and wireless access at UCSF.

What is wired networking?

Many campus locations also support wired networking -- bring your Ethernet-equipped laptop and a cable, configure it to use Wireless Access, and your computer can access the internet and the local network in certain areas of campus. See Should I buy a laptop? for a comparison between wired and wireless access at UCSF.

What's least expensive?

Virtual disk drives require no hardware and no media costs, so they are the least expensive. For all the other options, here's the breakdown:

For hardware costs: USB drives range from $8 to several hundred dollars depending on their size. CD-RW drives begin at $20. DVD±RW drives begin at $70.

Prices for computer equipment fluctuate frequently, so shop around. For price comparisons, try Froogle, PriceGrabber, PriceWatch, or StreetPrices.

For media costs: There are no media costs for USB drives and wired and wireless networking. For other media, such as blank discs, prices vary greatly depending on variables such as brand name, quality, and quantity. Search storage media on PriceGrabber.

What's easiest to use?

USB drives are easiest. Virtually all computers available to you have easily accessible USB ports.

What's best for extremely large files?

For file sizes up to 700 MB, use CD-RW or DVD±RW. For file sizes up to 4.7 GB, use DVD±RW. For file sizes larger than 4.7 GB, use a laptop with wired or wireless networking. If you have the money for it, consider the largest sizes of USB drives and portable hard disk drives.

What's fastest?

In terms of data transfer rates, from fastest to slowest:

  1. wired networking using gigabit (1000 Base-T) Ethernet (1000 Mbps)
  2. USB drive and a computer using the USB 2.0 Hi-Speed specification (480 Mbps)
  3. wireless networking using the 802.11n protocol (248 Mbps)
  4. DVD±RW (169 Mbps)
  5. wired networking using 100 Base-T Ethernet (100 Mbps)
  6. CD-RW (70 Mbps)
  7. wireless networking using the 802.11g protocol (54 Mbps)
  8. USB drive and a computer using the USB 1.1 Full-Speed specification (12 Mbps)
  9. wireless networking using the 802.11b protocol (11 Mbps)
  10. virtual disk drives (For dialup: 56 Kbps, For broadband: contact your ISP to determine your upload and download speeds or try Speed Test)

The transfer speeds above are theoretical, best-case, sometimes-approximate, and/or typical limits; actual rates are subject to many more variables which are beyond the scope of this simplified explanation. Also, all hardware involved in the data transfer must meet or exceed the desired transfer rate or else you'll experience slower transfer rates. For details, contact a computer sales or support professional.

What if I don't know what to get?

We require that you have at least a 1 GB USB drive. Buy the largest size you can afford.

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