Configuring Computer Systems and Networks - Configuring File and Printer Sharing

One of the main goals of configuring a computer network is to allow all the connected devices to
share resources. These resources are often in the form of files, peripherals, and Internet
connectivity. Once a computer system or peripheral has been connected to the network, resource
sharing is not enabled by default. It is the task of the computer technician to ensure that file and
printer (example of a peripheral) has been enabled.

Before files and printer sharing can be enabled, the following steps must be accomplished to give
a “shared” property to files and printers.

For file sharing:

1) Right click on the file and find the “Share with” option.

2) Choose the appropriate users that are allowed to gain access to your file. The access levels are:

 Read – an allowed user will be able to view the file but not edit it.
 Change – an allowed user will be able to read and edit the file.
 Full control – an allowed user will be able to read, change, and delete the file.

3) Click the “Share” button to close the dialog box and finish the process.

4) If multiple files are needed to be shared, transferring it to the Public Folder or enabling
sharing on the folder where the files belong can also be done.

For printer sharing:

1. Open the “Devices and Printers” settings.

2. Right click on the printer icon and choose “Properties”.
3. Click the Sharing tab, and select the Share this printer check box.

Listed below are the procedures in configuring file and printer sharing:

1. Ensure that the computer system and the peripherals are connected to the network, either
via cable or wireless connection.
2. Open the “Network and Sharing Center” (or just network settings in some systems) to
access the configuration window.
3. On the network and sharing center, click the “Turn on Network Discovery” radio button.
This will allow other computer systems and devices that are connected in the same
network to find the computer that is being configured.
4. Once network discovery has been turned on, click the “Turn on file and printer sharing”
radio button to enable file and printer sharing.
5. Click the Save Changes button to finish the configuration.
6. Once all the procedures have been accomplished, files and printers that were given the
shared property will now be accessed remotely by any device that is connected in the
same network. The shared resources can be accessed by typing the IP address or the
computer name of the host computer system into the run command. Keep in mind that
before accessing any file or peripheral for the first time, appropriate credentials
(username and password) are needed for authentication. Proper security protocols must
be laid down to restrict unauthorized personnel and guests from accessing the shared files
and printers.