How to Share a File on a Network

Level of difficulty: Easy

The sharing of computer files is one of the perceived advantages of implementing network environments either in a home or business setting that aims to reduce its cost of operating and deploying computer systems. The manner of sharing files without the use of other storage sources has been made possible by the advances in the manufacturing of network support devices along with the inclusion of network capability in majority of newer Operating System platforms. In network environments however, it is not enough to simply share computer files or any resource for that matter but also to observe best security practices to make sure that unauthorized users do not gain access to them. Majority of network environments, whether home or business, are using Operating Systems that belong to the Microsoft family.

Materials Needed:
- Network environment
- Operating System with network support
- computer
Step 1
Before implementing file sharing, it is important to set security rules to protect whatever files will be shared. Log on to the machine as a user with administrative rights.
Step 2
Click the 'Start' button, go to 'All Programs', select 'Accessories', and click on the 'Windows Explorer' option. Double click on the drive where the new folder will be created.
Step 3
Click on the 'File' Menu, choose 'New' and select the 'Folder' option. Type an appropriate name for the newly created folder and press on the 'Enter' key.
Step 4
Right click on the newly created folder and select the 'Properties' option from the context menu.
Step 5
In the Properties Window, click the 'Security' tab and clear the check box that corresponds to the 'Allow inheritable permissions from parent' to propagate to this object option. Under the Security dialog box, click on the 'Copy' button. This will allow the direct copying of the inherited permissions to the folder.
Step 6
It is a wise decision to set permissions for each user accounts or user groups to limit their access to the shared resources. Under the Properties dialog box, choose the 'Security' tab and click on the 'Add' button.
Step 7
In the dialog box for the Select Users, Computers, or Groups, double click the corresponding account that will be assigned with the permissions. Once all users and groups have been given the necessary permissions, click on the OK button to save the settings.
Step 8
In the Name list of the Security tab, click individually on the user or group and assign the correct permissions based on the Permissions list. Click on the 'Everyone' group and select the 'Remove' option.
Step 9
After completing the security process, begin sharing the folder by clicking on the 'Start' button and choosing the 'All Programs' option. Select the 'Accessories' category and click on the 'Windows Explorer' item.
Step 10
Go to the correct folder to be shared and right click on it. Choose the 'Sharing' option.
Step 11
In this window, click the 'Share this folder' option and assign a share name that will be used to identify the folder to all network clients.
Step 12
Click on the 'Permissions' option and click on the 'Add' button. Under the Select Users, Computers, or Groups window, double click on the 'Authenticated Users' group. Click on the 'OK' button to save the configuration.
Step 13
Under the Permissions dialog box, click the 'Authenticated Users' group and under the Full Control permission of the Permissions list, click on the 'Allow' option. Click on the 'Everyone' group and remove it from the list.