For this reason, while you are actively editing a file, you should open the file from local storage not the file server. If everybody edits their files on the file server, rather than from local storage such as the Lab User Folder the network will be very slow for everybody. Working on a file locally is more reliable. There are some programs that may crash, or destroy the file that you are working on, if there are temporary network problems. Since a file that is saved to local storage, for instance the Lab User Folder, is saved to one particular computer, the file may be lost if the computer malfunctions.
Local storage is for temporary use only.
If you save something to the Lab User Folder, you may only assume that it will stay there until you leave the computer. The Lab User Folders are emptied on a regular basis by the RCS tech staff. Local storage is not protected in any way. This means that if you leave a file in the Lab User Folder, anybody who sits down at that computer can read, modify, or delete the file. So long as you use a good safe password, and you always remember to log out when you leave a computer, nobody can read, modify, or delete your files, except you.