Chapter 19: Printer and Disk Sharing

Overview

Windows XP Professional provides users with everything that they need to connect to network resources. This includes the ability to set up connections to network printers. It also includes the ability to access data stored on shared network drives and folders. Connections to drives and folders can be established temporarily by browsing the network or permanently by creating drive mappings.

Only administrators are permitted to configure resource sharing. Administrators can assist users by configuring connections to network resources. By configuring all computers in a standard manner, administrators can ensure consistency across the enterprise. In certain circumstances, it may be beneficial for users to share resources located on their local computers with other network users. Administrators can help by setting up these shared resources while also ensuring that they are properly secured.

Windows XP Professional provides administrators with tools for remotely administering shared printers, drives, and folders. This allows administrators to create new shares, modify security settings for existing shares, and to stop sharing specific resources. In addition, administrators can monitor network user access to shared resources.