Chapter 10. File Sharing On the Go

The advantages of traveling with a laptop range from having fun to getting important work done on time. And getting work done often involves being able to share files and information with other people.

Sometimes you need access to the files on a computer that's just a few feet away. Or you may need to share files with someone anywhere else in the world.

All you need is a network connecting you and the other computer. The network might be the Internet; a wireless network (such as Wi-Fi); a hard-wired, local network (such as cables connecting devices); or a combination of two or more networking techniques.

The network might even be sneakernet, where someone physically carries files between computers on a disc or some portable medium. That may sound primitive and low-tech, but it works.

In fact, a handy travel tip is to carry blank CDs and DVDs so you'll have them when you need them. Even if you can easily find blank discs to buy, they might cost many times more than you're used to paying.

This chapter covers a variety of sharing techniques for when you're on the go. And, of course, the same file sharing tips work at home, in a local coffee shop, or at the office.