Sharing Files

Sharing Files

One of the benefits of using wireless or wired networks is the ability to share files among the network users. Enabling sharing on hotspots and other networks that are not secured by encryption is not suggested. However, on private networks, it comes in handy. First, you must enable sharing on certain folders, or move files to your Windows XP Shared Documents folder. Then you should be able to access the folders on other computers that are connected to the same network.

Enabling Shared Folders

Windows XP, by default, has a folder called Shared Documents under My Computer, with sharing enabled. To quickly share files with other network users, you can copy or drag files into this folder. You can also enable sharing of other folders, as documented in the following steps:

Step 1.	Double-click My Computer on your desktop.
Step 2.	Browse to the folder you would like to share, right-click the folder, and click the Sharing and Security option, as shown in Figure 13-18. Figure 13-18. Clicking the Sharing and Security Option [View full size image]
Step 3.	Check the Share this folder on the network option, as shown in Figure 13-19. Figure 13-19. Clicking the Share This Folder on the Network Option
Step 4.	Specify a share name that describes the folder or files you are sharing.
Step 5.	Check the Allow network users to change my files option if you want to give other network users this privilege.
Step 6.	Click OK to apply the changes.

Accessing Shared Folders

You can access the shared folders on your network using these steps:

Step 1.	Double-click My Network Places on your desktop.
Step 2.	Click the View workgroup computers option under Network Tasks, as shown in Figure 13-20. To browse computers within other workgroups, click the Up button; then double-click the desired workgroup. Figure 13-20. Clicking the View Workgroup Computers Option [View full size image]
Step 3.	Double-click the computer you want to browse, as shown in Figure 13-21. Figure 13-21. Clicking a Computer Network Shortcut [View full size image]
Step 4.	Double-click the desired shared folder.