Depot Overview

Depot is a Web-based document management tool that offers a secure, central repository where users can upload, store, and share documents or files that may contain sensitive information or be too large to send through traditional e-mail.

Documents such as course syllabi, research proposals, digitized images, sound, or large computer data sets are examples of documents that can be uploaded and shared using Depot.

Who can use Depot?

Depot accounts are available for use by Northwestern University faculty upon request, either for purposes of research support or for class instruction, in which case students in a class may be given accounts. Account are not provided to Northwestern staff members unless Depot access is required to support the research work of a faculty member; in some situations a case may be made for Depot usage in support of other University business.

With a Depot account, an individual is able to give access to files or directories to anyone via a web link or URL. This capability enables the Depot account holder to share files securely, to provide users within or outside the University a means of sending files TO the account holder, and to publish on the open web if desired.

Students enrolled in a course that utilizes Depot will be notified by their instructor regarding access to the Depot server.

Members of the faculty may request access to Depot by sending email to depot@northwestern.edu with a brief narrative justification describing the context in which the service is to be used.

User login to the Depot service for those with accounts is via their valid Northwestern NetID and password.

Depot Features

• File Sharing - Each user can share a file or folder with a group or individual
• File Storage - Save files on a server that can be easily accessed from anywhere online
• Intuitive Interface - Visual cues offer easy navigation
• Wizards - Provide assistance with procedures, such as setting permissions on files and folders
• Drag & Drop - Drag-and-drop file uploads within the browser interface
• Web Publishing - Supports basic web publishing via a Web content folder
• Web Interface - Allows easy access (uploads, downloads, etc.) to a user file from any computer on the Internet that has a browser
• Backups - Secure protection of files via nightly server backups
• RSS – Keeps users informed by notifying and retrieving the latest content from shared files and folders
• Labeling – User functions such as sharing, moving, and bookmarking are clearly labeled
• Configuration – Users are able to configure available buttons for commonly-used functions