File sharing use to be something only available to large businesses.  File sharing is when you have a central “server” that everyone stores their data on, and then multiple people can have access to the same files in your office, warehouse, etc.

Benefits:
                -central place to store all data
                -easy to backup everyone’s files in one place
                -by using simple permissions you can control who has access to what folders.
                -its easy!

REQUIREMENTS: You will need to have all of your computers on a network, if they are all connected to your DSL / Cable modem this is usually good enough.

The Server

Myth: its expensive and difficult to have a “server”. 
Fact: A server can be a normal computer, and does not have to have any special software!  You can use windows XP to share files! 

Step 1, user / group management!

Select "Start" -> Right Click on "My Computer" -> Left Click on "Manage"

Once in manage, you will want to create users / groups here.  You can think of groups such as "Accounting" - then put every user you create into the accounting group, and you can share the accounting group. 

Click on Users and then Right Click and then click "New User" or "New Group" - add users and groups, then add users to groups. 

Adding a New User screen shot:

Next lets create a folder, find a location on your hard drive where you want to cre a new folder.  I'll create it right on C:, but you could even create it on your desktop.  It does not matter where it is.

Next we want to change the share settings to give you more control. At the top of the window, find "Tools" and select "Folder Options"

On the "View Tab", you'll want to uncheck the last box that says "Use simple file sharing."

Next Right Click on the new folder you've created.  Select "Sharing and Security."

Enter a "Share name". If you put a $ after the end of it, it will increase security since people browsing your network will not be able to see the share. 

Next click on "Permissions" - and you can add the users you created earlier. 

Next click the "Security" tab.  Here again add and set permission!  Not sure why windows XP wants you to do it twice, but they do.You can also click "Advanced" for more options.

Hit OK, and you should now see your folder shared as below, with the little hand under it.

Next, we need to connect from your computers.  On your server, we need to get the ip address so the other computers can find it - its easy, just go to Start -> Run

Next type "cmd"

You should see a command prompt come up, just type "ipconfig"

Now you'll see a bunch of numbers come up, you want the one "Ip address" - make a note of it.

On another computer, you'll want to go to start-> Run - then enter the IP address and the share name like below, but with your real numbers and real share name! 

If you want to have your network drive mapped - like my "Network Drives" below - you can go to "tools" and click "Map network Drive"

Then enter your information below and chose a letter, its that easy!