Hi,
In Windows 95/98/Me, you shared data by assigning a password to a
shared folder, and anyone that knows the password can gain access to
the data.
In XP there are two methods of sharing files and folders. One is
'Simple', the other (as you put it) is 'Classical'. However the term
'Classical' is misleading because it's way more powerful than in
previous versions of Windows. 'Classical' file sharing is simply known
as Windows File Sharing with the "Simple File Sharing" option turned
off.
---
Simple File Sharing
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/filesharing.htm
Advantages: Easy to setup, quick to use, easy to access.
Disadvantages: Practically impossible to restrict access to certain
(groups of) users. Actual control over specific access rights is not
available. Access is on a free basis and it can be very easy to lose
control of the situation.
Simple File Sharing is enabled by default on Windows XP Professional
systems that are members of a workgroup (typically used in small
networks) rather than a domain (typically used in large corporate
networks).
There are no passwords or access restrictions (in the default setup)
and, with one exception described in the article linked to above,
everything that's shared is accessible by everyone on the network.
Simple File Sharing is the only type of sharing available in Windows
XP Home Edition.
---
'Classical' File Sharing
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_filesharing/index.htm
Advantages: Per-user access control; specific control over specific
files; read/write/delete/etc all differentiated between so that access
isn't just "on" or "off".
Disadvantages: Not available in XP Home.
---
As far as I know there is no difference in the way XP implements the
two methods, except in the options made available to the active user
in setting them up.
The simple sharing options will most likely save settings under huge
masks, such as "make this folder available for ALL users" instead of
the more specific settings you could make with classical sharing.
Obviously this is pretty dumb so avoid it if you can.
You asked:
>>> Is it the case that once we switch to "classical file sharing", students
>>> won't be able to use a generic username and no password?
I don't know how Novell would interact with Windows File Sharing. Most
likely you'd be looking at the Novell tools instead to do this sort of
stuff... although what tiny experience I have with NetWare is that the
Domain does tie in to Windows somehow so it should act just like a
usual Windows account.
But why you'd want to go to the lengths of configuring Classical File
Sharing for greater access control, and then NOT require passworded
accounts, is beyond me. You seem to be contradicting your need for
security with your desire for insecure ease of use.
Anyway, in conclusion, Simple File Sharing is incredibly insecure and
I am frankly shocked that a System Administrator at a University has
left this option enabled at all. That's IT for you.. :)
Hope this helps,
Tom |
