New
#1
Folder Permissions and Home Networking with Windows 7
Hello – I have twogeneralized questions that aren’t related in this context, but I hope it’s OK Iinclude them both in the same thread. They do both pertain to general Windows 7functionality and if later versions of Windows are the same, the knowledge isof value. Basically, I am wanting a better understanding of how Windows worksin these areas that can help to explain some of the seemingly illogical ways wehave to do things at times.
Question one: I’ll sum it upas, “why, at times, do I have to give myself permission or ownership to certainfolders or files?” The first account created in the first admin account and conceivablyhas the highest level of control – but then why do I have to sometimes “Run asAdministrator” certain programs at times? I have a basic understanding of howpermissions work, and how they can be inherited – and how to change them, andchange ownerships. But I don’t know how these two things fit together. And atthe core of the issue is, if I’m able to give myself ownerships andpermissions, then why does Windows even make me have to go through it?
I realize that this has beendesigned for client-server networks, domains and a lot more than a singlecomputer or home network. I would like a better understanding of all of it –that way when I do come across a situation where I can’t access a folder orfile, I won’t have to fuddle around in the various security and details screensuntil hopefully it finally works. One situation in particular is when I’veconnected an external drive from an older system, where I used the same UserAccount name. Could it be that although it looks like “I” have permissions,that it’s really the account from the old system? But, to get back to moregeneral things, is there a good resource that explains how all this works – andthat explain the terminology? Things like Object names, Groups, inheritances, etc.?
The next thing is aboutnetworking, which also seems to be designed for workplaces, then eitherstripped down or adjusted the setup process for home use. When I first setup acomputer (usually I’m connecting to a router/gateway at the same time), I amprompted to set up or join a network. Just following the prompts and not justallowing Windows to lead the way, I end with a Network (this shows up in theNetwork and Sharing Center control panel as “Network 1”), I’m in a workgroupcalled “Workgroup” and then there’s this Homegroup, which tells me to use thisfor easier file sharing.
Where actually does this “Network1” exist? Then when I go to set up a second computer, is it supposed to see andconnect to this “Network 1” and “Workgroup”? I also don’t understand why, even if I don’t do anything with those twothings when setting up the second computer, both computers can still see eachother and any shared folders, printers, etc.?
So what I would like to dohere is set up both computers so that everything is nice and net – where eventhough I can share files now, I would like to have it all hooked up via thesame Network, Homegroup, Workgroup or however it’s done. Although this seems tobe a peer to peer network, I would ideally prefer something more of aserver-client configuration if that’s possible. And to be able to use RemoteDesktop – does Windows 7 still require the primary computer to be running WinProfessional?
Thanks for this site and allthe great information within!