Something New Bigger and Better.

File and Print Sharing (part 5)

The actual sharing files or folder between two or more computers has never been easier. On the network has been established all that is left putting a check in a check box and click apply.

I know if you have ever struggle with sharing a file or a folder accross a network there could be some sweat or even tears. However Windows Vista has made it simple. As you can see in the two screenshots in this post it is just a matter of choosing the folder you want to share and clicking on the radial box.

I have only shown two of the section for sharing that is available for sharing. Beside public folder, specific drive folder, there is printer and media shares. All of which is done in the same way.

File and Print Sharing (part 4)

The Networking and Sharing Center is where all you internet along with file and printer sharing is controlled.

The Vista computer that has the Network and Sharing Center shown in the below screen shot is not the computer that will be sharing resources. This computer wants to use shared resources. The computer that will be sharing resources will have slightly different setting. That I will cover in tomorrows post.

The Network and Sharing Center is in 3 sections.

• The top section shows your computer, network and internet connection.
• The middle section shows you what type of connection and strength of the connection. As in the graphic. This computer has a wireless connection that is Very Good.
• The bottom third of the window deals with sharing and security around the printers, and files you want to share.
  

File and Print Sharing (part 3)

Last week I start laying the ground work for File and Print Sharing in Windows Vista. Today, I want to take today's post to cover a small portion of the Network and Sharing Center.

The easiest way to open is from the network icon in the lower right of the Task Bar. Right click on the icon, then left click on Network and Sharing Center. Now the Network and Sharing Center will open on your desktop.

While we are at this place I want to have you note that right above the Network and Sharing Center is Diagnose and repair. This is a good first place to go to when you have lost or can not connect to the internet or another place on your network.

File and Print Sharing (part 2)

Well, I have been know to get the proverbal cart be for the horse, or in this case actions before planning. I must admit some people can imagine in their mind how a network should be layed out, however the vast majority of us need to write or even better draw out what we want to be done.

If you are saying, I don't want a network, I just want to share files between two computer." That is what a network is sharing files or printer between two or more computers.

I would really recommend drawing a rough hand sketch to make sure all you network cable are connect to work. There are a six questions you will need to answer before you can get past the planning stage.

1. Is every computer going to have an internet connect?
2. Is there going to be one comptuer that all the other computer go through for the internet connection?
3. Is any of the computer going to share files wirelessly with the other computer?
4. Will each computer have files stored on it that other computer need to access?
5. Can the shared files be on one computer?
6. Will the shared files be Read Only, Copy, or Full Control?

File and Print Sharing (part 1)

The biggest reason for anyone to have a network, whether it is at home or at work is to share files and/or printers. This cannot be done unless when the computer are first setup as being on the same network. The default network name, in Windows XP and Vista, is MSHOME.

I would recommend that you change the network name. It could be something simple as JonesHome or even an encryptic name like N57A. The main point being that every computer you want on the network with the same name. If you don't have all the computers on the network they will not want to talk with each other and the process of sharing files will become a literal pain in the rear.

Oh yes, each computer must be connect either by wires or wireless through a router. I say this because I have gone out on a trouble call, where a client tried to set up their own network. After a few minutes I found only one computer was connected to the internet through a router. The other three were not connect by a network cable, or have a wireless card.

Business Should Not Fear Vista

Windows Vista has been out for public use for a year and a half. It has been hammered refined, and adapted to work with most all business software. Business software vendors have tuned their new versions to Windows Vista.

The small business owner should not fear to upgrade their computer and operating system to Windows Vista. The speed, increased functionality and security are three big reasons to let go of that old slow computer in the office.

Take the average small business person that runs a little business from his back room or garage. Using Windows Vista will give increase security, the a program like Quicken Home Business will take care of his financial monitoring and invoice needs in a nice sweet package.

Did I mention that Windows Vista includes a calendar and a email client. For the independent contractor, salesman or other small business person what more is there to ask for???