Introduction to File Network Sharing

Computer networks allow you to share files with friends, family, coworkers and customers. Before the Internet and home networks became popular, files were often shared using floppy disks. Nowadays, some people still use CD-ROM / DVD-ROM disks and USB keys for transfering their photos and videos, but networks give you more flexible options. 

Network file sharing is the process of copying files from one computer to another using a live network connection. This article describes the different methods and networking technologies available to help you share files.

File Sharing With Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows (and other personal computer operating systems) contain built-in features for file sharing. For example, Windows file folders can be shared across a local area network (LAN) or the Internet using the Explorer interface and network drive mappings. You can also set up security access restrictions that control who can obtain the shared files. For more information:

• About Windows File Sharing

FTP File Transfers

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is an older but still popular method to share files on the Internet. A central computer called the FTP server holds all the files to be shared, while remote computers running FTP client software can log in to the server to obtain copies. All modern computer operating systems contain built-in FTP client software, and popular Web browsers like Internet Explorer can also be configured to run as FTP clients. Alternative FTP client programs are also available for free download on the Internet. As with Windows file sharing, security access options can be set on the FTP server requiring clients to supply a valid login name and password.
For more information:

• About FTP File Transfers

P2P - Peer to Peer File Sharing

Peer to peer (P2P) file sharing an extremely popular method for swapping large files on the Internet, particularly music and videos. Unlike FTP, most P2P file sharing systems do not use any central servers but instead allow all computers on the network to function both as a client and a server. Numerous free P2P software programs exist each with their own technical advantages and loyal community following. [p[Instant Messaging (IM) systems are a type of P2P application most commonly used for chatting, but all popular IM software also supports sharing files. For more information:

• About P2P File Sharing

Email

For decades, files have been transferred from person to person over a network using email software. Emails can travel across the Internet or within a company intranet. Like FTP systems, email systems use a client/server model. The sender and receiver may use different email software programs, but the sender must know the recipient's email address, and that address must be configured to allow the incoming mail. Email systems are designed for transferring small amounts of data and generally limit the size of individual files that can be shared.

Online Sharing Services

Finally, numerous Web sites built for community file sharing exist on the Internet. Members post or upload their files to the site using a Web browser, and others can then download copies of these files using their browser. Some community file sharing sites charge member fees, while others are free (advertising supported).