| There is much file sharing going on via the | | | | already has FTP server software installed. |
| web and email as you are probably aware. | | | | For the client, you can use any number of |
| After building your home network, you have a | | | | different FTP client programs available |
| lot of options as to what you can do with it. | | | | online; many are free. You can also use the |
| One thing which many people like often to do | | | | FTP command, built in to your command line |
| is to share files between different computers | | | | program on Windows or Linux. On Windows, |
| on the network without having to use | | | | click Start/Run from your menu and type cmd |
| old-school methods like CDs or even floppies | | | | into the box. Type ftp and then ? The command |
| which are no longer considered to be that | | | | prompt comes up with a list of options. These |
| ideal. | | | | options are for sending and receiving from |
| | | | and to different computers. |
| Something common with most email providers is | | | | |
| that most may have limits on the size of | | | | You can also use File Shares. By default, |
| email attachments that you can be able to | | | | Simple File Sharing is enabled on Windows XP |
| send to and back using their email service | | | | (Home Edition) systems. To turn this on or |
| therefore making the sharing of large files | | | | off, double click the My Computer icon on |
| difficult. Your email connection may also be | | | | your desktop and select Folder Options from |
| far slower than the speeds of your home | | | | the Tools menu. Click on the View tab and |
| network. This therefore may prompt you to set | | | | change the setting for Use Simple File |
| up your own home networking system in order | | | | Sharing. |
| to make file sharing much easier and | | | | |
| convenient. On a Windows based home network, | | | | You can set the level of security you want |
| file sharing is a snap; and it's not much | | | | for your file sharing. You can make files |
| harder to set up for Linux. | | | | Read Only to keep people from inadvertently |
| | | | deleting them. You will need to allow Write |
| Here are two ways to get started: If one of | | | | access to let others transfer files to the |
| your computers has an adapter to share an | | | | system however. If you want Read and Write |
| internet connection, this computer is | | | | access, you'll have to allow Full Control. |
| typically acting as a hub for your home | | | | Right click on a folder and select Sharing |
| network. In many cases, this computer also | | | | and Security to set the level of security you |
| can do double duty as a file server. It can | | | | want. |
| do this via FTP or Windows Shares. | | | | |
| | | | It can be a little time consuming, at least |
| FTP has been around for a long time now. it | | | | to set up. However, if file sharing is |
| is one of the most efficient means of copying | | | | something which you will be doing often on |
| files from one computer to another over a | | | | your home network, you'll save a lot of time |
| network. One computer must act as the FTP | | | | in the long run by setting up file sharing |
| server, another as an FTP client. Pretty much | | | | now while you still have the time with little |
| common is the fact that any web server | | | | or no stress. |