All Facility computers are networked to the flow cytometry server - FLOWFACILITY/flowcytometry.  This permits us to centralize all data storage.   Listmode data files from all cytometer stations can be sent to the server.  Reminder: No data is to be placed on the local computer hard drives (you may place it there temporarily but must delete it before leaving).  The server hard drive will be backed up nightly (except Sat. and Sun) to DAT tapes.  We will keep data available on the server hard drive for at least 30 days.  The data will exist on tapes for at least 1 year to provide extra security for your data.  Note however, that you are responsible for your data and you should download a copy to your lab/office computer hard drive or to a CD/DVD.  You should make a second copy to work from to avoid data loss.  As a rule when I work with listmode files, I make a copy  to the hard drive; work with them using the hard drive copy (not only makes it safer but also is faster); then delete them from the hard drive when finished.   Note:  Summit can not work with data from a CD/DVD - you must copy it to  your hard drive to work with it.  We strongly urge you to also make backups of your Summit databases and CellQuest/FlowJo CE protocols.  Remember your flow cytometry data files are as important as your lab notebook, gels, films, etc. and you should afford them the same protection.

There are four hard drives for data storage on the server - Flowdata, Flowdata 2, Flowdata 3, Flowdata 4.  Each user will have a unique folder on one of these hard drives on the server to which listmode files from all cytometers can be directed.  Each Facility user will be given a unique User Id and Password.  This User Id and Password will be assigned by the Facility so that we may have control over all the computers.  Your User Id and Password will function to gain access to any of the Facility computers including data on the server, the protected web pages, and the web-based instrument scheduling software.  The computers on the cytometers and the off-line computers will keep a log of all logins and logouts allowing us to monitor and properly charge for instrument use.  Use of your User Id and Password by another user may be to your disadvantage and result in charges to your account.  Please do not share your User Id and Password with other users.

Listmode data files for each user may be placed in a password protected folder on a server hard drive.  Data in these files may be read, copied, and deleted.  Data may be copied from the server hard drive to any drive on any computer in either of two ways -- you may connect to the server through the UNC network or you may FTP. 

1.  Transfer data over the UNC network.  Click on "My Network Places" (for Windows).  Select "Entire Network", "Microsoft Windows Networks", select "FLOWFACILITY".   Select "Flowcytometry".   You will be prompted for a UserName and Password.  Your UserId and Password are the ones assigned to you.  THE PASSWORD IS CASE SENSITIVE.  If you have forgotten your UserName and Password see the staff.  If you connect to your local computer through a domain log in you must enter your user name as:  "FLOWFACILITY\UserName".  After entering your password you will see the "Flowcytometry" folder contents.  Select appropriate "Flowdata" folder which will display the data folders for all users on that hard drive.  Open your folder, select the folder/files you want and copy to a destination drive and folder.  You will only be able to open your data folder as they are UserName/Password protected. 

2.  Transfer data using File Transfer Protocol (FTP).   From your internet browser connect to our FTP site using the URL - "ftp://flowcytometry.med.unc.edu" (i.e. type this URL into the address box).  Enter your flow cytometry UserName and Password at the prompt.  Select the appropriate hard drive (i.e. Flowdata, Flowdata2, Flowdata3, or Flowdata4).  Navigate to your folder.  You will now have access to your data files.  You may transfer data from the server to any folder on your local machine as you would transfer any file (copy/paste).