Sharing Files In Vista

There are two ways that you can share files in Windows Vista. One method is to use the Public folder. Once Public Folder Sharing in enabled, the contents of the public folder are shared with users on your network. If you need to share a folder or file, all you have to do is copy it into the Public folder. The main disadvantage to using this method is that you cannot assign different users and groups different levels of access.

The second method is to share individual folders and files. For example, if you want to make the contents of the Marketing folder available to users on the network, you would share the Marketing folder and set the permissions. The advantage to this method is that you can give specific users and groups different levels of access to your files. The main disadvantage though is that it becomes more different to manage as you start sharing multiple folders and files.

Both methods require you to enable File and Printer Sharing before any folders and files can be shared. To enable File and Printer Sharing in Windows Vista:

1. Open the Network and Sharing Center.
2. Under the Sharing and Discovery section, click the down arrow beside File Sharing.
3. Select the option labeled Turn on file sharing.
4. Click Apply.

There are two ways that you can share an individual folder or file. You can choose the Share option from the object’s context window or you can use the Sharing tab from the object’s Properties window.

To share a folder using the Share option:

1. Right click the folder you want to share and select the Share option. The File Sharing window is displayed.
2. Click the arrow beside the text box and select the appropriate user name from the list. Click Add.
3. Repeat step two for each person you want to give access to.
4. Under Permission Level, click the down arrow beside each user to set the level of access (permission options are described in further details below).
5. Click Share and then click Done.

Tags: vista, vista tips, windows