Sharing data and drives and accessing software

Using operating system controls

The Network and Sharing Center allows you to set up a connection or network, connect to a network, and diagnose and repair network problems.

To use operating system controls:

1.From the Start screen, type control panel, and then select Control Panel.

2.Select Network and Internet, and then select Network and Sharing Center.

For more information, from the Start screen, type help, and then select Help and Support.

Sharing data and drives and accessing software

When your computer is part of a network, you are not limited to using only the information that is stored in your computer. Network computers can exchange software and data with each other.

NOTE: When a disc like a DVD movie or game is copy-protected, it cannot be shared.

To share folders or content on the same network:

1.From the Windows desktop, open File Explorer.

2.From This PC, click a folder with content you want to share. Select Share from the navigation bar at the top of the window, and then click Specific people.

3.Type a name in the File Sharing box, and then click Add.

4.Click Share and then follow the on-screen instructions.

To share drives on the same network:

1.From the Windows desktop, right-click the network status icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.

2.Select Open Network and Sharing Center.

3.Under View your active networks, select an active network.

4.Select Change advanced sharing settings to set sharing options for privacy, network discovery, file and printer sharing or other network options.

Using a WLAN

With a WLAN device, you can access a wireless local area network (WLAN), which is composed of other computers and accessories that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point.

NOTE: The terms wireless router and wireless access point are often used interchangeably.

●A large-scale WLAN, such as a corporate or public WLAN, typically uses wireless access points that can accommodate a large number of computers and accessories and can separate critical network functions.

●A home or small office WLAN typically uses a wireless router, which allows several wireless and wired computers to share an Internet connection, a printer, and files without requiring additional pieces of hardware or software.

To use the WLAN device in your computer, you must connect to a WLAN infrastructure (provided through a service provider or a public or corporate network).

Connecting to a wireless network 21