WebScratch
The WebScratch utility is a service available from Account Services on the Web (ASW) for no charge. It allows temporary placement of files on a web server where they can be downloaded by other parties using a web browser rather than received as email attachments. While placing a file on the web server using WebScratch requires logon to ASW using an Iowa State Net-ID and password, the recipient of the uploaded file does not need to enter a username or password. The recipient uses the public, unsecured web address pointing to the file's location received via email to download the file.
Two main reasons to use WebScratch as opposed to sending the file as an email attachment include the following: email file size limitations, and email programs that block file attachments using certain file extensions to prevent the proliferation of viruses spread through email.
The email system at Iowa State University has a maximum email size limit of 35MB. This means individual emails sent or received through the email system that are 35MB or larger are rejected and not delivered. WebScratch has a maximum file size limit of 150MB. It is possible to use WebScratch to send more than one file up to a maximum of 150MB, which is the total WebScratch space given to each user.
Some email applications block access to attachments that have certain file extensions and indicate possible viruses. While it may be possible to temporarily rename a file or use an archive utility to compress and repackage the file prior to sending via email, WebScratch can be used to bypass the email application's file restrictions and ensure delivery of the file to the recipient.
Files uploaded to WebScratch may be deleted manually by the sender, but all WebScratch files are automatically deleted after 10 days. The WebScratch space is not backed up. It is the responsibility of the user to maintain needed copies of uploaded files.
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