computer advice sought re Networking at home

[devonwoody]

If we have two computers at home (we have) can I access the other computer, get a file or folder bring it to the computer I am working on and make changes to that file.

Example, get a video from the other computer and then edit it but not effect the original file?

Do I need an app. to do this sort of thing and which one?
We have a wireless modem and router hub.
Windows 7 both machines.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

You can. Setup a home network and there is a tick box somewhere in the setup process that allows you to access the hard drive of computer A from computer B over the network (or vice versa). Its up to you how much permission you give it...can be everything or say just music and everything in between.

Rather than type in 20 paragraphs...google home networking on W7 and you'll get chapter and verse. (Youtube probably the most palatable tutorial)

 

[nev]

No app required, your pc's are already equipped to share, you just need to set it up on each one, a few clicks on each and your away (in theory )
have a gander at this...
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/wind ... =windows-7

 

[carlb40]

And if the built in w7 version does your head in LOL

Try dropbox it will sync all files to it between pc/pc/ phone/ tablet etc. So if out and about and you need access to a file on dropbox - you can have it there and then.

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Aye...dropbox very handy little tool....slow mind but useful

 

[devonwoody]

Thanks All, and if another person is using the computer they can completely change the contents of a picture or video and the original could be deleted if the set up is so?

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Yes if you allow that much permission. I cant remember all the options off the top of my head but you may have options to only allow the copying of files rather than access to the original. You just need to get into the windows dialogue box where the tick boxes are and its self explanatory

 

[nev]

You are basically handing over the keys to the filing cabinet in the other pc - so you can do what you like with any files you find in there - copy, edit, create, add or remove anything from the drawer.

 

[carlb40]

Thanks All, and if another person is using the computer they can completely change the contents of a picture or video and the original could be deleted if the set up is so?

Maybe if you are worried about original files/ pics etc being deleted? Dropbox might be better as you only have copies there, so you always have the originals elsewhere.

 

[devonwoody]

Thanks for all that information and advice.

Do the macs. have the same or are they more security conscious?

 

[CHJ]

John, when you have the network set up and the appropriate permissions set to share the files on any specific disk or in any given folder you can stipulate if the source is read only.
You can then copy out but not save them back under the same name from another computer.

As folks are saying it's all in the tick boxes that you select, as to whether the originals are editable or synchronised (automatically updated to latest version) or just left as different versions on each machine after editing.

But these permissions are not all under one simple access path and must be set up for disk access permissions as well as network access permissions.

One thing you must always be careful of with simpler methods of copying is the fact that a file copied elsewhere can have a new creation date even if not edited, so it is possible to have an older version of a file with a newer saved/modified date.

Can you not find a local friend that can set up the simplest version of the network for you?

Grandchildren coming to stay? :lol:

Always make sure you have a copy on your backup disk that you can recover if necessary.

If in any doubt what-so-ever about this stick to transferring your files with a USB stick, keep it simple.

 

[devonwoody]

Thanks Chas. another one of your very instructive replies (hammer)

OK here is the next question,

How do I share this system with my sister who lives in London and is a Mac. and I am a W7

Or do I only send a file via email or some web site.?

 

[nev]

Thanks Chas. another one of your very instructive replies (hammer)

OK here is the next question,

How do I share this system with my sister who lives in London and is a Mac. and I am a W7

Or do I only send a file via email or some web site.?

As suggested above you can use a file sharing thingy like Dropbox. Its free and you install it on your and your sisters computers and once set up, any files you wish to share can be just saved into your dropbox folder and they are then accesible by anyone with internet access who has been given permission to or a link to those files. It can also be used for sending big files to anyone when they are too big to attach to emails. for example https://db.tt/aLeAGCOR

https://www.dropbox.com/install

 

[devonwoody]

Thanks again.

They say it is never to old to learn, and now all I have to do is remember.

 

[CHJ]

......How do I share this system with my sister who lives in London and is a Mac. and I am a W7

Above is the easiest option for you John.

Just make sure you both have software that can handle the file format used.

Not a bad idea to change the file name slightly before you send if it's one that is likely to come back altered, that way there's less chance of destroying your original.

Various text and image editing packages have the facility to carry all amendment information so that it can be retrieved if necessary, but the files then grow proportionally and are only really necessary and viable in a corporate environment where tractability and accountability is essential.
Certainly not something you or your sister would want to get embroiled in or spend money on software.

 

[CHJ]

.... and now all I have to do is remember.

What was the question ??

 

[devonwoody]

Thanks again and hope it has been of use to others as well.

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Dropbox is particularly useful for picture files or short video clips (I use it to send short footage of the kids to their relatives etc.) because often your e mail provider wont allow files of that sort of size.

 

[Robbo3]

Best advice I was given was to always work on a copy of the file that you want to change or edit. You then have the original to fall back on if needed.

HTH