CARLI can enable the SFX UNIX File Manager for any library that wants to use it for configuring its SFX instance. Using the UNIX File Manager is optional. The alternative, for libraries that want to edit any of the SFX configuration files, is to request particular files from CARLI staff, edit the files offline, then send the files back to CARLI staff for CARLI staff to load.

The UNIX File Manager is described in chapter 11 of the SFX Advanced User's Guide. It is a powerful--and so potentially dangerous--tool. Using the UNIX File Manger it would be possible to delete or corrupt files that are essential to the functioning of your SFX instance. If an SFX customizer inadvertently disables an SFX instance, CARLI staff will not be able to "fix" the problem, except by restoring files from a previous day's backup.

Recommendations for using the UNIX File Manager:

1. Read the User Guide.
2. Make a copy of any file before you edit it. (See "Copy Twice, Edit Once," below.)
3. Make just a few small changes at one time, and test frequently.

The UNIX File Manager can be used to add or edit text files such as HTML (.tmpl), configuration (.config), stylesheet (.css), or program files (.cgi, .pm, etc.). The UNIX File Manager will not allow you, however, to add or edit image files. If you have image files (.gif, .jpg, etc.) that you want to include in your SFX instance, please send them to CARLI User Services. CARLI staff will upload them for you.

Copy Twice, Edit Once

To edit a file that's currently represented by a symbolic link to the "global" instance's file, essentially you need to make TWO copies. One copy is your back-up. One copy is the locally editable copy of the global instance's file.

1. Drill down to the file you want to edit.

   For instance: SFXAdmin-->UNIX File Manager-->templates-->a-z-->browse_detail.tmpl

2. Click the [C]opy button in the Action column, to the right of the filename.
3. Name the first copy as your backup.

   For instance: browse_detail.tmpl.20051121

4. Click again on the [C]opy button to the right of the original filename.
5. Name the second copy as your working file.

   For instance: browse_detail.tmpl.edited

6. Click on the filename you just created, and make your edits. Save. Close.
7. Using the mouse, select and copy the name of the original file, including any extensions, underscores, etc.

   For instance, copy "browse_detail.tmpl".

8. Click on the [D]elete button to the right of the original filename.
9. Click on the [R]ename button to the right of the edited file. Paste in the filename you copied, being sure to give the edited file exactly the same filename as the original, symbolically linked filename you deleted.
10. Test your changes.

How to Enable the SFX UNIX File Manager

To enable the SFX UNIX File Manager, library liaisons may file a work request in WRO. Select the form "SFX UNIX File Manager Access." Once access to the UNIX File Manager has been enabled for your instance you will need to connect to SFXAdmin with a secure URL (https://sfx.carli.illinois.edu/sfxadmin/sfx***, where *** is the three-letter code for your library).

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