Transfer Dropbox Files with Fetch
Fetch is a Macintosh program to transfer files between computers. It can be used to copy, rename, and delete files and folders. It uses the standard FTP and Secure FTP (SFTP) protocols to communicate with other network computers. One limitation of these protocols is that files cannot be edited in place. If file content needs changing, do the edits before using Fetch to transfer the file.
Log On
1. Start Fetch.
If you do not have the Fetch program, get
it from DoIT.
Remember to get the serial number file too. It will be needed when you
first start Fetch.
2. When it starts, Fetch opens a "New Connection" window. You can also open a new connection window by choosing File > New Connection... from the menu bar.
3. Fill the appropriate text fields with the account information you were sent by technical support staff.
| Hostname | soe-b5.ad.education.wisc.edu |
|---|---|
| Username | [Type username from info] |
| Connect using | SFTP |
| Password | [Type password from info] |
Figure 1: Make a New Connection.
4. Click the Connect button to logon. After a logging on, a window displays the content of your home folder on the server. The "dot" files like ".bash_logout" are system files and can be safely ignored. The presense of a "dropbox" folder usually indicates a shared space used by a work group.
Figure 2: Home folder on server.
Transfer Files And Folders
5. To upload a file to the server, first make sure you are in the folder where you want to put the file. Click the Put button in the toolbar. A open file dialog window appears, and you can navigate to the desired file, select it, and click the Put button to upload the file.
Figure 3: Dialog to select a file to "put" or copy to the server.
6. To download a file from the server, select the file and click the Get button on the toolbar. The file is copied to the "Download" location given in the Preferences. This is usually the Downloads folder within your home folder.
7. To upload a folder to the server, drag-n-drop the folder from your computer into the Fetch window. The drag-n-drop method is the only way to upload a whole folder "as is".
8. To download a folder to your computer, drag-n-drop the folder from the Fetch window to your Desktop or any other local location.
Save Settings and Exit
9. Save the connection informtion by making a shortcut. Choose Shortcuts > New Shortcut... from the menu bar. Type a meaningful name in the Name field and click the OK button. The shortcut will appear in Fetch Shortcuts window.
Figure 4: Save log on settings in a shortcut.
10. To end the Fetch session, close the Fetch window or choose Fetch > Quit Fetch from the toolbar.
| Author: | Chris Dowling |
| Revised: | 2009-01-16 |
| Keywords: | Fetch, SFTP, dropbox |