Tip of the Week: Sharing Files in Windows
Windows makes it easy to share files or devices with other computers on the same network. Through the use of shared folders, an old computer with inadequate hard drive space is still useful, because files can be stored on a different computer with excess space. Sharing devices can also save money or allow for better equipment to be purchased since only one printer, for example, is required for multiple computers. Today's tip explains how to share a folder in Windows XP.
- The first step is to navigate to or create the folder to be shared.
- Once the folder is visible, before it is opened, right click the folder. This will open a context menu.
- From this menu select Sharing and Security. A dialog box should open to the Sharing tab.
- If the computer is set-up for a network, the check box for Share this folder on the network will be available, check this box. (If the text is grayed out, the computer needs to be set-up for networking before sharing is possible.)
- Next, the Share name should be confirmed, this is what the folder will be called to other computers on the network.
- Finally, if permission is to be granted to change files, the check box next to Allow network users to change my files, must be selected.
The folder should now be accessible from any computer on the network.
Sharing a printer or other device is a very similar process, except instead of right-clicking the folder to share, the device is right-clicked and Sharing is selected. The process is also similar on other versions of Windows and even other operating systems. It is also possible to share files or devices with computers running different operating systems.
Remember, sharing files could pose a security risk if your network is not secured.
If you have a question you would like answered next Thursday in the Thursday Tips and Tricks posting, leave a comment. For an immediate response, e-mail or call Simplicity Force today!