Windows 7: Libraries and homegroup?

Can anyone please tell me why libraries and homegroup are useful in Windows 7?

I understand it is "easier" to setup, but is there anything else?



I already have my files organized in folders (Audio, Documents, Programs, Pictures, Videos). Is there any difference if i set that folder as a library?
Is Homegroup any different than normal file sharing (when everything is setup). The only difference i noticed is that there are no write permissions (at all, except public folder, but that is not even the same folder) when using homegroup.

Libraries comes "over" the special folder you can still use.
It's allow you to add in the same place, different location (mutliple drive, even network drive/place)

Indeed If you have allready all you data in one place for each, with good organisation, librairies are not so essential, baut it can be usefull.

I have my datas well oganized as you (My Doc, My Musics, etc on separate drive) but as I have a file server I can now access to this location directly from librairies and merge all this data in a same entry point (no more need to add a network drive, only have to add in library).
I use libraries in an other way: I have a folder in "My docs" which is specific to my work (CAO). I created a librarie "CAO", in which I put this folder, and some other like folder with CAO contents: textures, 3D models, etc, , all of that are on a external drive, which is unplugged when not in use => 1 entry point for different place (internal & external drive, network place)

This are some example of what you can do with libraries.
Know that WMP and WMC uses librairies content, so everything you put in there is automaticaly added in WMP/WMC.


About homegroup: It's essentialy a way to make network share easier @ home. Create an homegroup, give the pwd on the other computer, and go.. librairies shared in 2 clics.

For those who are not experienced in the art or networking it's really easy
But at this time it need Seven for all the computer on the network, shame ...

Thank you for your reply
So, there is no difference between homegroup and normal file sharing (when using, not setting up)?
And the only difference between folders and libraries is that you can select multiple places to show up in libraries, and that WMP doesn't create extra database?

I personally don't see any benefit for me, because i don't use WMP, and have all my files stored locally. I wish they included more customization options in final version (like rearranging icons in navigation pane, and hiding "favorites", "Libraries", and "Homegroup" for those who don't need them)

P.S. EU rules :P

I thought the same thing at first.

Then I hooked up an old computer I had lying around and REALLY like homegroup. I use it to share the whole drive.

And libraries I am starting to find uses for like....I have 2 or 3 browsers. I like to put the downloads from those browsers in different places. I can create a library "downloads" and there they all are...yet still separated.

I am starting to like both features more and more.

Technicaly there's a really uge difference between Libraries and Folders.

Libraries are only link to other place, Folder are "physical" place. A librairies only point to a location, the folder is the location.
That is why you can merge multple location in a libraries.

Libraries are so called "Virtual Folder" as there is no data stored in a librarie.

We may see more and more software able to use the libraries instead of personnal folders

This is a good idea, i will try that.

I know the technical difference, i just see no practical difference if there is only one older assigned to a library (except for WMP and WMC).

Of course if you don't use it, it's useless

the only thing that this feature needs is the ability to share with "specific users of a HG", instead of sharing EVERYTHING with HG or not at all. Even tho HG may be a "trusted network", that doesnt mean i want everyones eyes looking at the same things. Just dont understand why this has never been brought to much attention by users/testers. I guess since HG is "newish", its not been explored enough by users/testers.

I didn't try (only 1 computer with Seven...) but maybe can you create multiple Homegroup, each homegroup with its own sharing.

to be able to create and use your theory, as well as my thinking on this, you cant create more than one HG on 1 workgroup, this i know. But theorectically you should be able to. Could be the fact that only 1 HG per workgroup, so if you were to toggle HG's, you would have to end up changing workgroups and rebooting. That would be a nag to have to do. This is a feature i would like to see (multi-HG and/or SuperHG), along with being able to specify users in each HG. This makes such practical sense in a workgroup office environment, let alone for home use and setting a sort of parental restriction on HG folders.

Example. I have a media extender to hookup with MC. In order for me to have and see/access an R rated movie, i have to share it on the HG completely. This gives access on the entire network to this R rated flick per se. I dont want the kiddos to have ax to it. So, the use of adding folders to a library, and then sharing over HG leaves you limited as to your own per user control. The ONLY way, and previously this could be done was the hidden folders and disable "show hidden folders " in folder view. But having to do this handcuffs me in two ways. First, the extender cant show hidden content, therefore i couldnt see any R flicks. Secondly, even if it did work for a "fix", I want more than just an "on/off" permission/security folder. Dont want the toddler watching or having ax to anything above a "G" rated content, but dont want to restrict the older kiddos to just the G content because of.

see my reasoning here? And the answer isnt just the WMP, it goes beyond media files as well, especially when you get back to talking about implementing this in an office environment.

Or else go back to 2k3 server and domain wise with a dedicated T or P drive