Sharing/Sending Files via WIFI

What is the fastest most visually obvious way of sharing files between two laptops.
I recently started using MicroSoft SkyDrive...it works awesome...but larger files take to long to upload to the internet...also it adds extra ($) from monthly internet (upload+download).

Is there a similar software that would do the same thing?
Kinda would just like to right click a file "Send to" and select my computer...
then have me accept it from another computer kinda thing.
the thing with sharing is I usually gotta copy/paste file into shared folder..
upload it from second place..go back delete file in shared...

NOTES:

1) I HATE the libraries option.
2) I also HATE the Network Drive thingy...
3) I'm using a Shared Family Network...I don't want everyone on the same wifi network suddenly gaining access to my private content.

Thanks for reading :)
Hope someone can understand my jumbled question. lol

How would you create a network drive? Does that require partitioning the existing C:drive?

Homegroup keeps asking me for a password that I have no idea what it could be.

In the "Network" Tab of Explorer I'm able to see the other running computers...
but unable to open the links.

I'm thinking of buying a giant external wireless Hard Drive and just keeping my media on there so I can access it on any computer...

3) I'm using a Shared Family Network...I don't want everyone on the same wifi network suddenly gaining access to my private content.

You are complaining about the Homegroup but it can accomplish exactly what you want. In fact setting up a Homegroup basically creates a private Domain within the Workgroup.

It's amazing to me that the vast majority of Windows 7 Users do not understand the many advantage of setting up a Homegroup and contrary to popular belief, it's not just for sharing Library's.

You see, when you join a computer to a Homegroup it sets up a virtual barricade between you and the other Workgroup machines. This barricade prevents access to shared folders or Libary's on the Homegroup machines unless they are shared out with "Everyone" using the Homegroup sharing options.

So any shared folders would have access from all other Homegroup machines but the Workgroup machines won't have access to ANY of the shared Homegroup folders or Library's unless they are manually shared with "Everyone" using the Homegroup Sharing Options.

The pictures below show the Share with Everyone process, this will share a Library to other Workgroup machines which aren't part of the Homegroup, otherwise they won't have access. :)

Solarstarshines said:

chev65 said:

3) I'm using a Shared Family Network...I don't want everyone on the same wifi network suddenly gaining access to my private content.

You are complaining about the Homegroup but it can accomplish exactly what you want. In fact setting up a Homegroup basically creates a private Domain within the Workgroup.

It's amazing to me that the vast majority of Windows 7 Users do not understand the many advantage of setting up a Homegroup and contrary to popular belief, it's not just for sharing Library's.

You see, when you join a computer to a Homegroup it sets up a virtual barricade between you and the other Workgroup machines. This barricade prevents access to shared folders or Libary's on the Homegroup machines unless they are shared out with "Everyone" using the Homegroup sharing options.

So any shared folders would have access from all other Homegroup machines but the Workgroup machines won't have access to ANY of the shared Homegroup folders or Library's unless they are manually shared with "Everyone" using the Homegroup Sharing Options.

The pictures below show the Share with Everyone process, this will share a Library to other Workgroup machines which aren't part of the Homegroup, otherwise they won't have access. :)

That was a great reply I love Homegroup
Also I use my network drive as an external with Homegroup

Thanks for bringing that up.

As you just mentioned, a Homegroup member can easily add a network drive location to a Library then share that Library with "Everyone" as described above, only the designated Library plus the attached network drive location is shared with the Workgroup.

Basically you would have the trusted share machines in the Homegroup with the restricted access machines in the Workgroup.

Between the Public folders and the Homegroup there are quite a few options for selective User sharing.

And I appreciate the compliment on the Homegroup set up and thanks for the rep Kari.

hmmm i'm lost already
Would it be easier to install windows 8 on this laptop...
then share somehow with my tablet?
cause then they would both be signed on as my email@live.com?

I'm to scared of accidently sharing my private files with everyone.
I also have much more complex libraries than default Videos, Pictures, Music..
Everything is split by Movies, Tv shows, personal videos etc...
I've got to be able to keep the higher archy somehow...I've got to be be able to visually
Enable, Disable, certain folders...I'm imagining the folder fading out if I disable or something..

you know...something that you can easily manipulate even when your tired, not focusing...

Homegroup is a great way to share files as already said but here is how I share files with my mates:

> We first connect our systems using LAN cables or wifi (adhoc network) and then both systems are shown connected to "Unidentified (public) network.

> Then we turn on file sharing by going to Control panel - Network and sharing center - Change advanced sharing settings (on left pane) - then expand "Public" and turn on all sharing options (we also turn on password protected sharing option so as to prevent unauthorised access) and then click "Save changes". All this is a one time process.

> Now we go to Computer and then click "Network" on the left pane and the names of the systems connected to the network appears (this sometimes takes a bit of time).

> Now we right click the folder we need to share, click Properties, then go to "Sharing" tab - then click "Share"

> In the dialog box that opens, we select "Everyone" from the drop down list and click Add and then give read/write permissions as required (read only is always better), and then finally click "Share" at the bottom.

> Now we find all the shared folders in Computer->Network->{system-name} on the other computer and can easily copy stuff.

This just seems to be complicated but is fairly easy to do.