Standard Windows Functions
This section is described from the perspective of a Windows user. The Apple equivalents are similar and in many cases identical, consequently no separate descriptions for Apple devices have been provided here.
Most computer users are familiar with the normal operations supported by Windows Explorer. For example, files are moved from folder to folder by dragging and dropping them. When a WebDAV drive mapping is used, the folders do not represent the contents of a local or network drive, but interact directly with Safe4. The display is not a representation, or a synchronised version, of what is held in Safe4, but the actual contents of the Safe4 client vaults in question.
Windows functions can be used as normal, with standard folder facilities being available to users. The following specifically should be noted:
Uploading files
If a file is dragged from a non-WebDAV folder (ie one on a local computer or a network share) to a WebDAV folder, it causes the file to be uploaded to Safe4 subject to the user having Upload rights in Safe4. This does not remove the file from the non-WebDAV folder – this function in fact COPIES the file into Safe4. The Safe4 audit trail will be updated to show that the file was uploaded by the user concerned at the appropriate time. Multiple files can be uploaded in a single action using this function.
Downloading files
If a file is dragged from a WebDAV folder to a non-WebDAV folder it will be COPIED to that folder, and will be recorded as having been Downloaded in the Safe4 audit trail.
Email notification of uploads
If the provider account default setting for notification of uploads is set to ON, an email notification will be sent to all authorised Safe4 users when a file is dragged from a non-WebDAV folder to a WebDAV folder. Note that a separate email will be sent for each individual file that has been uploaded, even if multiple files are dragged within a single action.
Creation of folders
Safe4 folders can be created through WebDAV by using the normal Windows methods, subject to the user having the necessary Safe4 rights.. Typically this is done using the right-click function with a mouse, or the equivalent when using a touchpad on a laptop. Select “New”, enter the desired folder name, and the folder will be created in Safe4. The Safe4 audit trail will be updated to reflect this action.
Deletion of files and folders
If a file is deleted from a WebDAV folder, it will disappear from the Safe4 web interface. The Safe4 “Undelete” function may be used in the web interface to restore the file for 15 days after deletion. If it is restored in this way, it will reappear in the WebDAV folder.
If WebDAV is used to delete a folder, it will not be possible to restore it using the Safe4 web interface. It will have been deleted permanently.
Please note that the Windows Recycle Bin facility does not capture files or folders which have been deleted through the WebDAV interface.
Folders representing Safe4 provider accounts or client vaults cannot be deleted using WebDAV. Windows may appear to be deleting the folder, but it will remain in position and will remain usable through both the WebDAV and Windows interfaces.
Deletion of files and folders will be recorded in the Safe4 audit trail.
Moving files and folders
Files and folders can be moved between WebDAV folders by dragging and dropping them, just as they can in the Safe4 web interface. This can only be done for folders that represent Safe4 folders, and which are the contents of a Safe4 vault. WebDAV folders that represent Safe4 provider accounts or client vaults cannot be moved in this way.
Please note that dragging and dropping files and folders between WebDAV folders will have the effect of MOVING them. Dragging and dropping files and folders between a WebDAV folder and a non-WebDAV folder will have the effect of COPYING them (uploads and downloads).
All file and folder moving actions will be recorded in the Safe4 audit trail.
Renaming files and folders
Files and folders may be renamed in the WebDAV interface by using the normal Windows functions. Similarly to moving folders, this may only be done for folders which represent Safe4 folders, and not for WebDAV folders that represent Safe4 provider accounts or client vaults.
All renaming actions will be recorded in the Safe4 audit trail.
Copying files and folders
If a user wishes to copy files from one WebDAV folder to another, this can be done using the normal drag-and-drop function whilst at the same time holding down the CTRL key. Files and folders can also be copied and pasted by using the Windows standard right-click functions followed by Copy and Paste, or the keyboard operations of CTRL-C and CTRL-V.
Email attachments
Email messages, and their attachments, can also be dragged directly into WebDAV folders to upload them into Safe4. Many important documents are received as email messages or attachments.
The reverse action can also be performed, and files from Safe4 WebDAV folders dragged directly into email messages as attachments. However, it should be noted that sending confidential information by email, whether within the message body or as an attachment, is inherently insecure, and can result in interception or misuse of documents. If the information in question is confidential it is far more secure for the recipient of the email to be invited to register as a user of Safe4, and to receive such documents without them having to leave the system.
