Share Huge Files by Setting Up an Ad-Hoc Network

You already know a bunch of ways to get your hands on a huge file on someone else's computer, but if they're all too time consuming or convoluted, I have a simpler solution for you. It's easy to create a private wireless network between any number of PCs using Windows Vista or Windows 7. It's called an Ad-Hoc network and it takes about 30 seconds to configure.

Here's how to create your network:

1. On one PC, click the Wi-Fi signal strength icon in the Notification Area.
2. Choose Open Network and Sharing Center.
3. Choose Set up a new connection or network.
4. Choose Set up a wireless ad-hoc (computer-to-computer) network.

Then, on the other computer(s) that want to join this ad-hoc network, click the Wi-Fi signal strength icon and choose the network from the list. Join it like you would any other Wi-Fi network.

Don't underestimate the simplicity and convenience of an ad-Hoc network to quickly share files between two or more PCs.

Would you rather share files without creating or joining a new network? Don't forget about these more common alternatives:

• Dropbox -- Now with an Extra 768MB of Free Storage
• Fileai, Your Own Personal BitTorrent
• Send Huge 100MB Attachments from Outlook

Dave Johnson

View all articles by Dave Johnson on CBS MoneyWatch »
Dave Johnson is editor of eHow Tech and author of three dozen books, including the best-selling How to Do Everything with Your Digital Camera. Dave has previously worked at Microsoft and has written about technology for a long list of magazines that include PC World and Wired.

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