Sharing data between computers is really easy, and you can even do it without cables. The purpose of data sharing is to make it easier for other computer users to access documents, making data management more efficient.
How to Share Data Between Computers Using LAN
There are several ways to share data with other computers, such as using a hard disk or other physical devices. However, these methods are no longer effective due to their slow transfer speeds. Instead, you can use a Local Area Network (LAN), which offers faster and more practical transfer speeds, up to 1GB per second. This way, you won't waste much time sharing data between computers.
Here's how you can do it:
Ensure the Sharing Feature is On
Make sure your computer has the data sharing feature enabled. Right-click on the network icon usually found at the bottom right corner. Select Network and Sharing Center or Network and Internet Setting. Go to Network Advanced setting and click Advanced Sharing Setting. Turn on the printer and file sharing option to share documents with other computers.
Connect Computers with a LAN Cable
Connect the computers using a LAN cable after ensuring the sharing feature is on. Check the indicator light below the LAN port to confirm the connection.
Set the IP Address
Set the IP Address to ensure both computers are on the same network. Press Windows + R, type control panel, and select Network and Sharing Center. Choose Local Area Connection, click properties, and double-click IPv4. Select Use the following IP address and enter your network's IP address. Ensure no other computer uses the same IP address. Click OK on the two options that appear.
Share the Data
Choose the document you want to share, right-click, select Share with, and click Specific People. Add the user 'everyone' and share the data. On Windows 10, click Yes to turn on discovery and file sharing for all public networks.
Check Network Connection
To access the shared document, check the network connection by entering the IP Address of the sharing computer in the file explorer or by navigating to the Network menu in the file explorer and finding the computer name. Refresh the computer if needed by pressing F5.
How to Share Data Between Computers Using WiFi
Sharing data between computers without cables is more practical. Here’s how you can do it using WiFi:
Set Sharing Permissions
Go to the control panel, select Network and Internet, then Network and Sharing Center. Choose Change Advanced Sharing Center and turn on File and Printer Sharing. Turn off Password Protected Sharing and save the changes.
Share to Other Devices
Right-click the document you want to share, select Share With, and choose Specific People. Add the user 'everyone' and click share.
Connect to the Same Network
Ensure other devices are connected to the same WiFi network. Check the IP address in Network and Sharing Center by clicking the WiFi name and selecting details. Open the run application (Windows + R), enter the IP address with \ before it, and access the document. Alternatively, use File Explorer and select Network.
Troubleshooting Access Denied Issues
If you can't access the shared data, try the following:
- Right-click the shared document, select properties.
- Go to the Sharing tab and click Advanced Sharing.
- Check the box for Sharing This Folder.
- Click Permissions and check all the boxes.
- Click OK.
Conclusion
To share data between computers, change the settings in the control panel and grant sharing permissions. If you encounter issues, check the sharing settings and ensure other users have full control. For comprehensive IT solutions, consider using services from Asani, which provides IT equipment rentals, including laptops and PCs, to meet company needs.