How can I access my files / home directory from home or a laptop?

Typically, your home directory and inbox reside on ms.mcmaster.ca (not on your workstation). Your files would usually be in your home directory (unless they really do exist on a specific workstation). You can connect to ms.mcmaster.ca (or your workstation) in order to get to your files. If you are connecting from off-campus, please first connect to the McMaster VPN.

You can transfer your files from ms.mcmaster.ca with rsync, sftp or Windows file sharing. Note that for Windows file sharing to work, you will need to have a valid MAC ID so that you can connect to the McMaster VPN service.

SFTP - Secure File Transfer Protocol

Secure ftp will work from all major operating systems. You'll need to make sure that you're first connected to the McMaster VPN, before you can establish a connection to the Math & Stats server. Some popular graphical sftp clients such as FileZilla or Cyberduck are available on Windows, MacOS, and Linux. You can also use your favourite command-line sftp clients.

Windows Server Shares

Your home directory on ms is available via Windows file sharing (SMB). Ensure that you're connected to the McMaster VPN prior to connecting via the following:

Windows

Press win + R, and type:
\\ms.mcmaster.ca\username

Linux

In recent releases of KDE and Gnome, use konqueror or nautilus (respectively) and type: 
smb://ms.mcmaster.ca/username

OS X
In the Finder, click Go, and then Connect to Server , and then type:
smb://ms.mcmaster.ca/username