HomeGroup for Windows 7 is a brand-new networking feature designed specifically to simplify the task of networking home PC's allowing them to share files and printers with ease.
In past versions of Windows, networking computers entailed assigning them to a particular workgroup. This was often a complex and frustrating job, so Microsoft designed HomeGroup to remedy all those problems by making it a "one-click" task. Unfortunately, this new feature will ONLY work with Windows 7 computers. Systems running older versions of Windows will have to still be connected to Windows 7 PC’s the "old fashioned" way.
Using HomeGroup permits connected PC’s to share USB connected printers too. This allows any computer in the group to print to any networked printer in the home, as long as it’s attached to a Windows 7 computer.
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When you first establish your network connection in Windows 7, it will instruct you you to pick a location for your computer. Choose "Home Network", which then permits you to use HomeGroup. After several seconds of configuration, the setup wizard will tell you to select which sort of files to share. This might include pictures, documents, music, etc.
Once that’s done, the setup wizard will show you the system generated, unique password for your HomeGroup, which you must then use to connect to other Windows 7 computers. Write this password down so that you can use it in the next step.
To connect a computer to the HomeGroup, go to Start -> Control Panel -> Network and Sharing Center. Next, select "Available to Join" under the heading, View Your Active Networks.
The computer shown below is already a member of the HomeGroup, but it will show up in the same blue highlighted area. Once you press on join, it will ask you again to confirm joining and then prompt you for the password that the main HomeGroup PC showed you. After that’s done, choose which file types you want to share with the other members of the HomeGroup. This is a privacy feature that you can employ if you feel like it.
Once connected, the other PC’s in the HomeGroup and their shared resources should show up in the left navigation pane of Windows Explorer under "HomeGroup". A new "Share With" drop-down menu will be added to the top menu of Windows Explorer too. This feature lets you instruct Windows 7 to only share the files and folders that you select.
Windows 7 will install any printers located within the HomeGroup to all other computers automatically. You can then print your documents from any system just as if it was a local printer connected to your system.
Windows Media Player & Windows Media Center will also automatically search networked systems for media files that to play. This adds extra freedom for home entertainment since you can play media files located on the network as if they were located on your own system.
HomeGroup for Windows 7 is a much needed enhancement to setting up networks in your home. It permits simple and fast setup with none of the pain associated with previous Windows versions. Inexperienced consumers will find it a breeze to use and home entertainment enthusiasts will love the simplicity and flexibility of the robust media streaming features as well. If you’ve ever had a hard time setting up new PC’s on a home network (and who hasn’t?) you’re going to enjoy this new Windows 7 networking enhancement.