Home Networking - File Sharing Made Easier

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