Bill D -

One of the problems with getting a network set up is that usually the computer that owns the files has to be told to "share" them before other computers on the network can see them.

In Windows, you just right click on the folder (or drive) that you want other computers to be able to use, click Properties, and you should find a tab marked "Sharing." Windows objects if you try to share the root on the system drive, but any non-system folder there, or any other complete drive or sub-folder can be easily shared. There is some control over what kind(s) of users have access.

The method is similar for other operating systems, but I can't offer details. You may find the instructions under something like "setting privileges."

You usually also have to "define a network" by given the network a name. The network definition/setup usually should be done on only one computer, and once that's done the other computers only "join" the network. Trying to create the network on more than one computer can result in confused computers.

John