CertiGuide to A+ (A+ 4 Real)  9  Chapter 14: Networks       9  What is a Network?            9  Resource Sharing

Resource Sharing 1 Network Drive Mapping

When sharing files and folders, it is important that we apply the appropriate permissions. After all, we do not want people to be able to modify our personal documents, even if they are allowed to read them.

To share a folder, simply right click on it and choose “Sharing”²¹⁴ You are presented with the dialog in Figure 455.

All that is required to share this folder is to click on the “Share this folder” radio button. Clicking either Apply or OK will immediately make this share available. However, before doing so, it is wise to review the permissions on the folder in question. Clicking “Permissions” displays the following dialog.

As you can see, the default permissions on a new share can allow anyone to do anything they want. It is sensible to restrict access as much as possible, normally by removing the “Everyone” entry and replacing it with user-specific entries.

Shares interact in an interesting way if you use NTFS. The rule of thumb when calculating permissions is “The most restrictive combination is in effect”. For example, assume a directory C:\Downloads has NTFS permissions of Read Only for Everyone, but it is shared out with Full Control allowed to Everyone. The result of these permissions is that anyone accessing the share only has Read Only permission, as this is the most restrictive²¹⁵.

Resource Sharing 1 Network Drive Mapping