Sharing files over a network can be done in Windows by setting up a Local Area Network (LAN). Here are the steps to sharing files over a network in Windows:
1. Connect all computers to the same network. Ensure that each computer has network access and is connected to the same router or modem.
2. Create a HomeGroup. HomeGroups allow you to easily share files and printers between computers in the same network.
a. Go to the Control Panel and then select “HomeGroup” under “Network and Sharing Center.”
b. The HomeGroup wizard will walk you through setting up and sharing with the HomeGroup.
3. Change the folder’s Sharing Settings. To share files over the network, you must configure the proper sharing settings.
a. Right-click on the folder you wish to share and select “Properties.”
b. Click the “Sharing” tab and then click the “Advanced Sharing” button.
c. Select the “Share this folder” checkbox and enter a share name.
d. Click “OK.”
4. Share the folder. Once you’ve set up the HomeGroup and configured the folder’s sharing settings, you’re ready to share the folder.
a. Right-click on the folder and select “Sharing.”
b. Click “Advanced Sharing” and then select the “Share this folder” checkbox.
c. Click the “Permissions” button and choose which users have access to the shared folder.
d. Click “OK” after setting the permissions.
5. Map a network drive. Now that you’ve shared the folder, you need to map a network drive in order to access it.
a. Open “My Computer” and select “Map Network Drive.”
b. Select a drive letter and enter the path to the shared folder (e.g. \[computer name]\[share name]).
c. Enter your username and password for the computer that the folder is shared from.
d. Click “Connect.”
6. Access the share. You can now access the shared folder from the network drive.
a. Open the network drive (e.g. X:\) and you’ll see the shared folder.
b. Double-click the folder to access its contents.
With these steps, you should now have the ability to share files over a network in Windows. It’s important to configure the proper permissions to ensure that only those with the correct credentials can access the shared folder. Additionally, if you want to share files with other operating systems (e.g. Mac or Linux), you’ll need to setup additional accounts and permissions for each OS.