Softpanorama (slightly skeptical) Open Source Software Educational Society

May the source be with you, but remember the KISS principle ;-)

NetDrive and WebDrive

Netdrive is a free packaging of older version of Webdrive (distributed by Novell on Netware 6 CD ROMs and with iFolder) that lets you map your FTP server just like a local drive. Actually netDrive ís webDrive.. Novell bought a license, but not to redistribute.. That's why there not keen on promoting the free download...

Formally you need to buy license to iFolder from Novell or have a license to Novell 6 to use it.  It is a better deal to buy WebDrive directly from the vendor for $59.95  You can also get version 5.1 instead of 4.1.

This is great application that permit you to manage you FTP site as if  it is a local drive. It does not need Novell client to be available: this is a standalone application. Licensing restrictions keep Novell from distributing netdrive.exe on their web site so you will need to find it using Google or other search engine. It used to  available from several university sites, but as program grow older the number of such sites disappeared.  Here is one link that was active at the time or last correction of the page (Google is your friend and with search string "Netdrive 4.1" you can do wonders :-)

Download the program from HERE. Double click and follow the instructions to install the program. Once the program is installed, open the program (Start->Programs->NetDrive->NetDrive) and click new site. 

Here is step-by-step tutorial for setting up NetDrive.

Old News ;-)

Glosoli Map a drive via FTP or WebDav

I've looked into the license a little closer. I believe Novell at some stage licensed a version of WebDrive to bundle with Netware. Even though they seem to be encouraging it's free distribution they're probably not supposed to. Read the EULA here. So you shouldn't use this unless you or your company has a Netware 6 license. [Listens for the sound of 6000 people uninstalling... ;]. Also note that WebDrive supports secure ftp while Net Drive does not.

... ... ...

NetDrive is not free. I inquired about the use of NetDrive for a project and this is what I received from Novell Customer Support:

Hi Gary,

You must have purchased or purchase Netware 6 or iFolder in order to use Novell NetDrive. Call me if you need further help and we can connect you with a Tech Specialist.

Regards,
Melissa

Melissa Niu
Government Inside Sales
Novell, Inc.
http://www.novell.com
mniu@novell.com
(801) 861-1618 phone
(801) 861-6317 fax

HOW-TO Map a drive to your FTP server - Engadget

you can map an ftp or webdav server as a network drive in XP without having to use any such tool - it's built into the OS! from My Computer, find "Map Network Drive" in the Tools menu. A window will pop up asking for a drive letter and a folder, and at the bottom is a link reading "Sign up for online storage or connect to a network server." click that link, select "Choose another network location" from the Add Network Place Wizard, and follow the wizard's prompts to add the location and login information. Simple.

Home - iFolder

iFolder is a simple and secure storage solution that can increase your productivity by enabling you to back up, access and manage your personal files-from anywhere, at any time. Once you have installed iFolder, you simply save your files locally-as you have always done-and iFolder automatically updates the files on a network server and delivers them to the other machines you use.

Sponsored by Novell, the iFolder project is built on the Mono/.Net framework to integrate seamlessly into existing desktop environments.

Novell Documentation iFolder 2.1 - Novell NetDrive 4.1 User Guide

This guide describes how to install and configure Novell® NetDrive 4.1. It is intended for users and is divided into the following sections:

Section 1.0, Overview of NetDrive

Section 2.0, Using NetDrive

Section 3.0, Additional NetDrive Tips

Section 4.0, Using NetDrive and iFolder in a Thin-Client Environment

Section A.0, Troubleshooting NetDrive Problems

Section B.0, Documentation Updates

For information about emerging issues, see

• Novell NetDrive 4.1 Readme
• Novell Support Knowledgebase Web site

For the most recent version of the Novell NetDrive 4.1 User Guide, see the Novell iFolder® 2.1 documentation Web site.

HOW-TO: Map a drive to your FTP server - Engadget

RS wrote: What is the current version of NetDrive, and is it available for download online somewhere?

A: RS, the current NetDrive version is 4.0. It is on the NetWare 6 Client CD. To find a download, search for netdrive.exe on the Web. Due to licensing issues, it is not a download from Novell.com. Also, WebDrive 5.01 can be downloaded, but only the Eval is free.

Novell Cool Solutions (corporate web communities) are produced by WebWise Solutions. www.webwiseone.com

Recommended Links

NetDrive - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

University of Manitoba - IST - LAN Support

Novell Documentation iFolder 2.1 - Novell NetDrive 4.1 User Guide

NetDrive HOWTO from umich.edu

NetDrive NetDrive allows you to map a drive on your workstation and, via the internet,
connect to a folder on Novell, Windows or Linux server.

SitePoint Blogs » Novell NetDrive Webdav client for Windows

HOW-TO Map a drive to your FTP server - Engadget

Reference

Novell Documentation iFolder 2.1 - Novell NetDrive 4.1 User Guide

Connecting to your Novell Drives via NetDrive

Etc

CDW

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Last modified: March 15, 2008