Windows 8 how does windows shared networking work?

[XgErMaNwEiRdOX]

Hey guys,

currently I am increasingly interested in networking. So my question is: How does the windows function of sharing network data exactly work?

My take on this is that your PC (host) somehow turns into a file server in the network as well, which other people may access w/ or without a user name or password - given the given configurations.

My problem w/ is still to understand how it exactly works. Is there a domain name to the file server -if it is located on my PC- which protocols are used and what does windows do to set this up?

Thanks a lot in advance,

Greetings from Germany,

Max

 

[BurrWalnut]

A simple explanation is that a Domain is a group of networked computers that share a central database, containing user accounts and security information. A Workgroup is a group of networked computers that share resources such as files and printers. Homegroups are the new kids on the block and are for Windows 7 and above only.

Here is more information on Domains, Workgroups and Homegroups http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/join-domain-workgroup-homegroup