CSE 111, Fall 2004

How to Save & Load Karel Files

Last Update: 15 October 2004

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There are 3 ways to save and load Karel files:

1. Using your own copy of Karel on your own Windows machine

All you have to do is save and load worlds and programs by clicking on the appropriate buttons in the Karel program. The files will be saved to, and loaded from, whichever folder on your own machine that you select.

If, however, you want to use both your own machine (to work at home) as well as the public-site CIT machines (to continue your work on campus), then you will need to use one of the other two methods below instead of saving your files on your own machine.

2. Using a floppy disk (or other external storage device) on a public-site CIT Windows machine

If you are using the public-site CIT Windows machines, the easiest way to save and load is by carrying around your own floppy disk (properly formatted for "IBM" machines; you can buy them preformatted).

Then you just save to, and load from, the floppy disk (usually in disk drive A:).

The only disadvantage to this method is that if you lose your disk, you lose all your work. Be sure to put your name and phone number on the disk in case you do lose it, in the hopes that some kind person will return it to you.

3. Using UBFS

UBFS is the University at Buffalo File System. It is a way to save files from any computer so that they can be reused from any other computer. The advantage is that your files are safe. The disadvantage is that the system is a bit cumbersome to use.

For detailed information, see the CIT webpage "UBFS" or the UBFS Documentation

To save a Karel file to your UBFS space, do:

Click on the "save" button in Karel (there's one for saving worlds and one for saving programs); a window will pop up asking you to choose a drive or folder in which to save the file.
Select the S: drive
Select the folder where you want to save the file
Enter a filename
Press "Save"
This would save the file to your UBFS space, just as if you were saving on your own machine.

To open a file saved in your UBFS space, do:

If you are working at home, then:
- Run UBFS
- Logon with your IT name and Password
  If everything has been done correctly, this will mount the S: drive and the T: drive in My Computer.
  (else, if you are working on a public-site CIT Windows machine, you do not need to do this, since UBFS is already installed on the public-site machines)
Run Karel
Select: File --> Open
Switch to the S: drive
Find and double click on the Karel file you wish to open
The file is then opened from UBFS with Karel, just as if it were on another local hard drive on the machine (just a little slower, of course, depending on your connection speed).

If any of the above information about UBFS is unclear, or for further technical assistance, please contact: CIT Help Desk, 255 Fronczak, (716) 645-3542, cit-helpdesk@buffalo.edu, http://helpdesk.buffalo.edu/

PS: For more information on how to use UBFS, you might be interested in a recent email exchange I had with CIT's consulting staff.