Resource Sharing - Make the Most of HomeGroup in Windows 7

Microsoft has paid enough attention to all developing networks, including home networks, and has added a new feature for home networking in Windows 7 - HomeGroup, which is designed to simplify network connectivity. Files are shared with external devices such as printers. In this article, we'll show you how HomeGroup simplifies tasks and how it embodys value.

What is HomeGroup? What is the difference between it and the home network?

Windows7 HomeGroup provides a way for other users on the home network to share files, folders, photos and printers. Its role is not to replace the home network, but to add a new feature, and then to assign permissions to the shared content, and what rights users have to these files: allow /not allow group members to exchange files, modify files, and so on.

When we install Windows7 on our computer, if there is no other HomeGroup, the system will create a default HomeGroup; if HomeGroup already exists, the computer will suggest you to join the existing group.

What are the requirements for HomeGroup?

● All computers joining the group must have Windows 7 installed. (Note: Any version of Windows 7 can join a HomeGroup, but a computer running Starter Edition or Home Basic cannot create a HomeGroup.)

● Computers that join HomeGroup must be connected to a home network.

● The HomeGroup is password protected and the user needs to type the HomeGroup password to enter.

Although its configuration is not as complex as those using NTFS licenses and policies, HomeGroup provides great security for users on the home network. It allows users to easily share their own document libraries and other files with others.

The content and devices contained or shared in the HomeGroup can be used on the home network. This eliminates the need to publish files or folders to the server. With HomeGroup, other group members that appear in the system can be considered as available resources. The file owner's license configuration determines the permissions of others to access their resources.

If we want to configure a custom library on your computer, you can create a library that points to another computer in the HomeGroup.

Note: The point of the library is the folder or file group.

How to join HomeGroup?

● Open the control panel of the computer that is ready to join the HomeGroup.

● Click on the HomeGroup settings.

● Select "Join Now" to join an existing HomeGroup.

Note: If you do not join immediately, you may need to create a HomeGroup for your network. If you have already created a group and there are shared items in the group, the HomeGroup option will appear.

If the permissions permit, we can also adjust the content to be shared, and also change the HomeGroup password.

Can I join multiple HomeGroups?

We can exit one HomeGroup and then join another group, but we cannot join multiple HomeGroups at the same time. The reason for this is because we can ensure that we can only share resources in one home network at a time. Write down the password for each HomeGroup and exit one HomeGroup before joining another HomeGroup. If you want to access another home network, you can access printers and other resources on other networks.

Note: When we leave a HomeGroup, all connections and resource accesses to the HomeGroup are invalid. Only when we rejoin the group will it take effect again.

Share HomeGroup Resources

When we share resources in HomeGroup, Windows 7 simplifies sharing operations. We can right click on a resource and select Share. The shortcut menu provides three options: Nobody, Read, Read/Write.

Selecting "Read" allows HomeGroup members to view shared files, but not to modify files. Select "Read/Write" to authorize others to access and modify files, select "Disable", and no one else can use shared resources. This setup is very simple for the home network.

Conclusion

Because some people use the Internet and computers all day long, the concept of HomeGroup seems to be very eye-catching. This feature simplifies the operation of accessing and maintaining resources in the home network. . It is convenient for home users who need to continuously share files and other resources.