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iDisk Utility for Windows XP

Posted by pudge on from the something-about-windows dept.

mister_tim writes " Apple has released an iDisk Utility for Windows XP. It could be useful under a mixed environment or those (like me) stuck using XP at work and such." Is there a way to mount iDisks on Linux, too?

38 comments

  1. fp by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    firstee posty

  2. not a mac user by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    but what the hell is an idisk?

    1. Re:not a mac user by Whatchamacallit · · Score: 4, Informative

      When you bought a Mac you got free .Mac access. This included webmail, webspace, and iDisk a location where you can trade files, upload your webpages, etc.

      iDisk is a mountable over the Internet drive volume. It uses WebDAV to accomplish this. Basically, it's a WebDAV drive with more spit and polish to it then you generally see.

      Now Apple has chosen to charge for the .Mac subscription at $99 a year. For that high fee, you get a whole lot more disk space and features. You can backup data to the iDisk, etc. Those users who already had signed up for the free .Mac got it for half off the price. Many graphics artists use it to trade images and other files. I use it for all sorts of stuff. Primarily to upload a file to and then email a friend an HTML link to download it. I need to do this all the time because of the shifts in security policies at my company and at many others that are stripped executable attachments. It makes it very easy to file transfer just about anything (providing you have the disk space on iDisk 100MB by default - you can pay for more as well.)

      Apple now provides the XP iDisk tool to make it easier for the clueless to connect to the iDisk and manage it from a WindowsXP computer. But any version of Windows can attach to the iDisk using MSIE Web Folders because Web Folders supports WebDAV.

      There are several Linux or Java WebDAV tools out there that will work as well. CaDAVer being a very nice FTP like client that uses WebDAV instead of FTP.

  3. Where's the Linux version? by edward.virtually@pob · · Score: -1, Redundant

    Friend of Open Source, ha! Another one for the list.

    1. Re:Where's the Linux version? by Llywelyn · · Score: -1, Troll

      Lets see...

      Apple is in the business of Making Money.
      Apple releases free but closed software to help them make money that improves direct compatiability with Windows XP.
      Therefore they are not a friend of open source.

      There seems to be something missing in here, like a coherent thought process or evidence...

      --
      Integrate Keynote and LaTeX
    2. Re:Where's the Linux version? by @madeus · · Score: 3, Insightful

      It's open standard - WebDav.

      The volume is not propriatory in any way, it has not been 'embraced and extended' by Apple.

      This is a WebDav IETF working group:
      http://ftp.ics.uci.edu/pub/ietf/webdav/
      ( Actually there are no less than three seperate working groups working on WebDav!)

      There are also a couple of RFC's on WebDav:
      http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2518.txt
      http ://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc3253.txt

      There are open source utilties for dealing with serving (mod_dav for Apache) and mounting (cadaver) WebDav volumes - it's fair to say that it's assumed Linux, BSD and other Unix users are knowlegeable enough to work out that they can go to freshmeat.net (or Google) and search for the term WebDav.

      You can find a list of WebDav related utilites at http://www.webdav.org/.

      It should also be pointed out that you don't even need this utility to mount iDisks under Microsoft Windows 98 or newer (or even Windows 95, with MS IE 4.0 IIRC) - the OS supports mounting FTP and WeDav volumes as mapped drives out of the box, this is mearly a slightly more user friendly interface (which will no doubt be a boon to Macintosh users who rarely interact with Microsoft Windows based PC's).

      So to answer the questio you posed:

      Where's the Linux version?

      If you can sucessfully do this:

      mount.davfs http://idisk.mac.com/username /idisk -u username -p password

      The answer is 'already compiled on your system'.

  4. iDisk uses WebDAV by Whatchamacallit · · Score: 5, Informative

    You can connect to iDisk using the cadaver software which is an open source WebDAV tool that makes it like FTP. It runs under Linux just fine.

    Other Linux WebDAV tools must be available, I haven't looked lately. Last I looked, the cadaver command line tool was the most compatible and it feels just like FTP with a few minor changes. Most Linux users are savvy enough to setup a WebDAV client. BTW, you could setup the Apache WebDAV module and configure it to be your own iDisk. (you'll have to override the idisk.mac.com hostname to use the Apple tools and make it think it's really .Mac) There's a few O'Reilly articles at the http://macdevcenter.com

    WinXP does not actually need the iDisk tool, as Web Folders can connect to an iDisk with no problem. Just add a network place and away you go! The tool makes it easier for clueless users. It also adds the ability to adjust public folder permissions and it has a nice little disk space bar along the top to let you know how much space you have, etc. It's the same as the .Mac iDisk tool on Mac OS X. The main advantage is you can direct users to download the tool and it will be easier than having you tell them how to use Web Folders.

    Of course if you are using iDisk then you most likely have a Mac so you don't really need the tool. MSIE adds the Web Folders feature to older versions of Windows so again, you can attach to iDisk in a fairly easy fashion.

    1. Re:iDisk uses WebDAV by Dot.Zeile · · Score: 5, Informative

      I am using RH7.3, GNOME and Nautilus. You can type "http://idisk.mac.com/YOUR_ACCOUNT/" in location editbox in Nautilus, and type ENTER, then you will be able to log-in into iDisk service. First you might see "cannot display" message, but, selecting "show as icon" will resolve that. After that, choose adding bookmark to put it in your bookmark list. Then, next time, Nautilus remembers that it is WebDAV access, and always you can handle that location as local folder. If you only need GRAPHICAL file manipulation, it is the easiest way, I think.

    2. Re:iDisk uses WebDAV by Alex+Thorpe · · Score: 1

      OS X users don't really need the iDisk tool, either, as we can connect automatically to ours from the Go menu. It does simplify things for connecting to other people's Public folders, but I've not had a need for that so far.

      I've also had a Linux user from Slashdot log onto my Public folder on my iDisk and send me some files, over dialup even!

      --
      "Common Sense Ain't" -Unknown
    3. Re:iDisk uses WebDAV by Da+Schmiz · · Score: 0, Offtopic
      Hey, I have a question. Well, make that two.

      I've been hearing a lot about WebDAV lately, and the more I learn about it, the more I think it's the perfect solution for remote, crossplatform file sharing. I've been doing some work with a decentralized team, each of us working from our home office, doing technical writing and PR services. We need a remote fileserver for storing common files, especially documents in progress. Something like iDisk would be nice, but none of us are on a mac right now (it's currently a mix of Linux and WindowsXP). I'd run my own, except I'm working from home, and my ISP doesn't like me running servers from my system. I have an account with a great hosting provider, but they have FrontPage extensions installed on their servers, and FP somehow conflicts with mod_dav. My question: Is anyone aware of a commercial DAV service? Even a decent hosting service that would be willing to run mod_dav would be great.

      Second, has anyone actually got davfs to work? I've tried both davfs and davfs2 (on a fairly vanilla RedHat 8.0 box), and neither one works. davfs1 gives me mount:no such device errors, while davfs2 says something about an invalid mount point. Any ideas?

      Thanks a ton...

      --

      "Anything is better than IE, and you can quote me on that." -- Wil Wheaton.

    4. Re:iDisk uses WebDAV by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      WebDAV is nice, if you really look for WebDAV solutions, Apache has mod_webdav and Tomcat 4.1.x also has webdav (but not DeltaAV) integrated out of the box. If you lookf for a webhoster with webdave search for these kind of configurations they might have webdav already integrated without knowing it.

    5. Re:iDisk uses WebDAV by alangmead · · Score: 1

      Zope also has good WebDAV support. Since Zope stores
      all templates and pythonscript code within its object
      database, even if the zope server is the local machine it is often easier to connect to the webdav server on 127.0.0.1
      than to work on things in their "through the web" management screens.

  5. XP must be "special" by topologist · · Score: 5, Informative

    Since an iDisk can be viewed via the WebDAV extensions to HTTP. I've used an iDisk under win me (shudder) and win2k (see this link. Wonder why the pastel coloured OS needs something extra. On linux, you should be able to mount the iDisk via WebDavFS. I haven't tried this, but it should be possible. See this sourceforge page

    1. Re:XP must be "special" by Whatchamacallit · · Score: 1

      XP can connect by simply adding a network place. But it doesn't allow one to manage the account or change permissions, etc.

      It also makes it much simpler for Mac users. i.e. they just email a link to download the XP iDisk tool rather than try to explain how to connect to a WebDAV resource.

    2. Re:XP must be "special" by grungeKid · · Score: 1, Offtopic

      One thing that sucks with webdav integration in Win2K is that it looks like a normal network file system, yet it's not (not accessible from the command line, you can't just click on a webdav mounted mp3 and have it open in winamp, etc). Maybe this apple tool it better that way?

    3. Re:XP must be "special" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I've downloaded and run this and what it seems to be is simply a tool that maps your iDisk as a network drive. Works great though :-)

  6. My experience. by bluesoul88 · · Score: 4, Funny

    "Is there a way to mount iDisks on Linux, too?"

    Well, I've always had good experience with finishing nails and a 16 oz. rip hammer.

    --
    TLoM: Nerds + DDR + Rednecks for the win!
  7. beware this is highly beta software by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    do not use this in a production environment. You are risking data loss.

    The full release is expected to be May 17th.

  8. I've been using my iDisk for months under Win XP by appleprophet · · Score: 2, Informative

    iDisk uses the standard WebDAV protocol which has always been supported by Windows XP. You can add an iDisk to your "Network Places" just like FTP or Samba.

  9. nice job, you pile of shit by TRoLLaXoR · · Score: -1

    this was news almost a week ago. way to keep up, dipshit.

    oh, and the only way to mount idisks on a linux box is to begin with wiping out your hard drive and installing mac os.

  10. Apple slipping farther behind by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic
    With Intel and AMD delivering faster and more powerful processors at a rate which makes your head swim, the consequences are plain as day. Apple is hurting, its spindly financial footing sinking ever deeper into that fiscal bog of no return. Frankly, many prominent industry analysts have crunched the numbers, concluding that Apple's outlook is bleak indeed.

    In Apple's latest numbers released in January for its fiscal first quarter of 2003, revenue fell from a year earlier and all of the company's major computer lines saw diminished numbers. PowerMac sales were down 20%, while iBook sales fell 8%.

    At the same time Apple's sales were falling, PC sales rose, though just slightly, according to figures from IDC released last month.

    The last time Apple was in this state, it brought back co-founder Steve Jobs to fix its issues. He fostered the development of the iMac and secured a US$150-million investment from Microsoft. But there aren't any new iMacs in Apple's future and Microsoft, bolstered by its victory over the U.S. Department of Justice, is clearly not going to help the beleaguered computer maker this time.

    So what have you got left? Apple is a company that controls around 3% of the computer market, has recently undergone a restructuring and is slowly fading into nothingness. Software makers don't even have Mac users on their radar and it's not like Apple can bring Mr. Jobs back to right the ship this time -- he's already there.

    Stick a fork in 'em -- this Apple is cooked.

  11. How about some more software by questamor · · Score: 1, Interesting

    I was only saying within the last few weeks how good it would be for Apple to increase market share by releasing Safari for Windows. With iDisk out, it looks more positive for software such as iTunes to follow to support the iPod, and perhaps Safari after that

  12. You are missing why they did this... by Llywelyn · · Score: 3, Insightful

    They have exactly *zero* reason to release iTunes, Safari, or any number of other things for Windows. They have very good reasons for releasing a utility such as this.

    If they released iTunes w/ iPod support for windows, what does it gain them? There is already a company (SoundJam IIRC), producing software that interfaces with the iPod, so they aren't going to sell more of those, they aren't going to turn a profit from it if they give it away for free (they already sell a "windows" version of the iPod), and they aren't going to influence more people to buy macs (more the reverse, actually).

    If they release Safari, what does it gain them? They would be going into a situation where there is a monopoly on the browser and they have no quick way to fix it, and by providing an *outstanding* browser on the Mac, they give windows users one more reason to Switch.

    Finally, Safari and more and more of iTunes have been written in ObjC w/ Cocoa. This would make porting slightly difficult, since they would have to be rewritten almost from the ground up (Apple would not likely use OpenSTEP to make the switch just yet).

    Meanwhile, this utility gives a clear and very public way for Windows XP users to move their documents over to the Mac, easing the Switch when they do decide to make it. It is one more reason *to* make the switch: they are easing the transition. It also gives them the ability to take greater advantage of a .Mac account and give them more incentive to buy into that, which is just icing on the cake for Apple.

    Repeat to yourself over and over again until you burn it into your memory: Apple is a Hardware Company, Apple is a Hardware Company...

    --
    Integrate Keynote and LaTeX
    1. Re:You are missing why they did this... by trash+eighty · · Score: 3, Insightful

      another reason is to help Mac home users who use PCs at work and want to transfer files home using their iDisk.

    2. Re:You are missing why they did this... by Oculus+Habent · · Score: 3, Insightful

      That is an excellent consideration. Apple has long since dropped the floppy drive from their computer and most people don't miss it. The people most affected are the ones who work on small files at home or move small files between locations. They have been either constantly e-mailing documents, or may have purchased a floppy drive. The easier integration of a .Mac account into the Windows world makes both .Mac more appealing, and life easier for the small-file movers.

      --
      That what was all this school was for... to teach us how to solve our own problems. -- janeowit
    3. Re:You are missing why they did this... by David+Leppik · · Score: 1
      Finally, Safari and more and more of iTunes have been written in ObjC w/ Cocoa. This would make porting slightly difficult, since they would have to be rewritten almost from the ground up (Apple would not likely use OpenSTEP to make the switch just yet).

      When I was doing WebObjects development, Apple had an Objective-C layer for Windows NT which they sold as part of WebObjects. It worked great: just modify your .nib files (Cocoa UI descriptors) to follow the Windows look-and-feel, and recompile. Of course, Apple has since decomissioned the old Objective-C WebObjects in favor of a J2EE replacement. But I would be shocked if they haven't kept the Windows frameworks alive in some hidden laboratory, if only so they can write strategic cross-platform applications.

  13. iDick: Mount Me ! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic
    Dear Apple,

    I am a homosexual. I bought an Apple computer because of its well earned reputation for being "the" gay computer. Since I have become an Apple owner, I have been exposed to a whole new world of gay friends. It is really a pleasure to meet and compute with other homos such as myself. I plan on using my new Apple computer as a way to entice and recruit young schoolboys into the homosexual lifestyle; it would be so helpful if you could produce more software which would appeal to young boys. Thanks in advance.

    with much gayness,

    Father Randy "Pudge" O'Day, S.J.

  14. iDick: mount me harder ! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic
    Dear Father O'Day:

    Thanks for your letter. Being Catholic myself, I know exactly what you're talking about! It has always been our plan here at Apple Computer Inc to revolutionize personal computing with our high-quality and highly gay products.

    I'm happy to answer your letter by letting you know that YES we will be releasing an entire hLife ("homo-life") software line. You'll be able to recognize it in stores by the small stylized logo depicting a large cock entering a tight anus with an Apple logo on it. ("Suddenly it all comes together" indeed!).

    Anyway, I hope you and other members of our community will join us on our mission, and purchase the exciting new hLife boxed set featuring the exciting new iDick® technology. Only the boxed set comes with translucent cock rings!

    Our new slogan: iDick: mount me harder.

    Sincerely,

    Harry Rodman
    Vice-president
    Homosexual Liaison Services
    Apple Computer, Inc.

  15. Hello, moderators? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Moderators - can you read?

    The iDisk utility is not in beta. You've been had, fooled, trolled, etc.

  16. Konqueror by AnEmbodiedMind · · Score: 2, Informative

    Apparently Konqueror can access webdav...

    webdav://www.something.com

    Havn't tried it though...

  17. In other news.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Flamebait

    An unnamed corporation released a new product called 'Fred'.

    Fuck man, how hard is it to add a single line starting 'an iDisk is...'

    We're not all 'leet nerds here.

  18. iDisk? by adolf · · Score: -1, Troll

    WTF is an iDisk? Can iUse it from my iMac? Over the iNet? What about my iPod, or my girlfriend's iRiver? Will it make my iBook any faster?

    iAsked my two-year-old what she thought it might be (iGuessed she might be within the target demographic), but she just said "iKnooow," and refused to divulge anything further.

    DiDN'7 W3 PU7 THiS 70 B3D iN THE EiGHTiES?

    At least, iThought we did...

    --
    Kid-proof tablet..
  19. No it's not 'dangerous beta software' as implied by @madeus · · Score: 2, Informative

    This is just a user friendly interface to make mounting idisk WebDav volumes easier for users.

    WebDav volume support is something that has been built in to Micrsoft Windows since Windows 98 (and is avalible under Windows 95 if you install MS IE 4.0).

    It's not 'beta', it's something that's been supported under Windows for the last 5 years.

  20. If you read previous postings... by colatek · · Score: 1

    you would know this can be done easily.

  21. If you re-read parent posting... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    you'll notice the implicit sarcasm tags.

  22. I want to hit you by RedWolves2 · · Score: -1, Flamebait

    or those (like me) stuck using XP at work and such

    I just want to beat you like a baby seal pup. I wish that I could be on Windows XP but I am "stuck" on an 8 year old OS, Windows NT.

    1. Re:I want to hit you by diesel_jackass · · Score: -1, Troll

      just be thankful you aren't stuck on one of those useless macs.

      --
      THERE IS NO DATA. THERE IS O
  23. Now what? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    OK, I downloaded it, now what?