Thursday, January 29, 2009

File Share or Else

By James Gilbert Pynn

Not sure how to create a pivot-table in Excel? You don't know how to put together a PowerPoint presentation? Sparky! This is where a file sharing program would come in handy. And you laughed at those of us who bothered to show up to Information Systems class. Youd think file sharing would be rather self-explanatory. You have files " you want to share them. Simple enough, to be sure, but the file sharing world is rife with scoundrels. Be sure you take precautions and install credible software from credible vendors.

You should know (so you seem hip) that most contemporary file sharing networks are modeled on peer-to-peer networks. What if youre peerless, you say? You rogue. Now, shape up " and pay attention. A file sharing network will allow multiple people to access the same file. So, if your department has one monthly report, everyone on the team can access and modify the document.

A major benefit of the peer-to-peer model, or P2P as we insiders call it, is the fact you arent required to load one file in order to access another. None of his quid pro quo business around here. That is not to say anyone can access anyones files. Your peers may only allow certain files, folders, or drives to be accessed. You wouldnt want anyone to be able to go poking around in your financial statements or folder full of love letters to Ozzy Osborn now would you? Your MP3s are an entirely different matter " I always thought you had great taste in music.

An important component of any file sharing program worth its salt is access. Approved peers can access a file from any computer anywhere in the world. Is your boss in Frankfurt? Did he forget his report? No worries, move the file to a shared drive or folder and he can access it instantly " is the speed of light instantaneous? If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound? And if he or she ask you to modify the report, you simply open it, clean up your messy handiwork, save it, and give him the heads up.

Once the IT guy installs your file sharing software (and gets his koodies on you) make sure the program has some kind of search capability. Picture a hellish scenario where youre not sure where your boss left the report. Now, picture having to search through each folder and drive on the company network. Now, picture yourself at the unemployment office. Always make sure you have access to a search function. Indeed, some file sharing programs dont and they should be avoided like the plague. So, stay frosty and start sharing wisely.

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