To access the S drive from home, you must use ftp (file transfer protocol) software.

For Macintosh OS X systems, you need to obtain ftp software capable of SSH protocol.  Many SSH ftp packages are available. An open-source version called fugu is available at:
http://www.macorchard.com/filetransfer/Fugu.php

Click on "download the Mac OSX (Cocoa) version". Click on "Save file" (the installer will be saved to your default download area). Double click the saved dmg file. A window with the picture of a fish will appear. Drag the fish icon to your applications folder.
To start the software, click on the fish (fugu) icon.

You will be presented with a screen:

 

To access your S drive (your UNIX account), enter itsunix.albany.edu in the "Connect to:" box

Enter your University netid for Username.

Click Connect.

You will be prompted for your password.

A screen will appear showing you Mac files on the left and your S drive (UNIX files) on the right:

You can drag files between your Mac and your S drive. Please note that there are special files on your S drive (UNIX account) such as .cshrc, .login, .profile - these files should not be removed.