How Vista File Sharing works

File sharing is a necessity when there is a network. Whether it is the Internet or an intranet, people are sharing files all the time. It helps businesses function at an optimum level as people can share any information they want.

File sharing makes files available for others to use. This is accomplished in many ways. In business networks it is done via file servers, on the wider Internet it is done via the peer-to-peer (P2P) model, in which the files are received, stored, and served by the personal computers of users. Most people engaged in file sharing online both upload and download files.

If you are sharing files from your family computer or are on a lower-end connection, you are not likely to get into trouble. There has been a lot said about the illegality of sharing music files and other copyrighted products online. Some people have also gotten into trouble for sharing copyrighted information.

File Sharing in Windows Vista

Windows Vista uses the Public folder to simplify the file-sharing process. Once Public folder sharing is enabled, all folders in it are available for sharing.

There is no need to configure file sharing on different folders. All you have to do is to either copy or move the file or folder you want to share on the network to the Public folder.

By default, simple file sharing is not allowed by Windows Vista. Any access to shared folders and the Public folder requires a username and password.

You can take the following steps to effectively share files. Configuring file-sharing behavior in Windows Vista requires the following:

• Setting the same workgroup name for all computers on the network
• Setting the network location type
• Enabling file-sharing options
• Setting the workgroup name

It is recommended that the workgroup name on every computer on a home network be the same.

If you want to find out the workgroup name for a computer that is running Windows Vista, do the following:

• Click Start.
• Right-click Computer.
• Click Properties.

In the System window, you will see the workgroup name listed in the Computer name, Domain, and Workgroup Settings section.

Enabling File Sharing

In the Sharing and Discovery section of the Network and Sharing Center window, click the down arrow next to File Sharing. Within the File Sharing settings, click Turn on File Sharing, and then click Apply.

• Step 1. Open the Network and Sharing Center.
• Step 2. Under the Sharing and Discovery:
  • Click the down arrow next to File Sharing.
  • Select the option labeled Turn on File Sharing.
  • Click Apply.

Congratulations! You have just enabled file sharing.