What to expect from Windows 7

Part 7

Networking

Trying to evaluate all the networking features in Windows 7 takes more resources than the average casual tester has at his disposal. Several significant improvements are aimed squarely at corporate networks, like DirectAccess, a slick alternative to VPNs that only works if you have a box running Windows Server 2008 installed at the edge of your network. There’s also BranchCache, which is designed to improve network responsiveness in remote offices connected to a Windows Server 2008 box over a wide area network. If you’ve got the resources to do those tests, share your experiences in the comments below.

Meanwhile, a completely different set of networking features are available for home users. The most interesting is a new feature called Homegroups, which is designed to simplify the process of sharing digital media, printers, and documents between Windows 7 PCs. (Homegroups don’t work with earlier Windows versions, nor with other operating systems.)

To create or join a Homegroup, you have to set your network location to Home. If you choose Public or Work when you see the Location dialog box, you’ll be unable to connect to a HomeGroup and the Homegroup shortcuts won’t appear in Windows Explorer.

Any administrator can set up a Homegroup. Windows assigns a random password, which you can change to something easier to remember. This password isn’t intended to be a deep secret. The whole idea of HomeGroups, in fact, is to take the headaches out of networking and sharing in environments where you trust everyone, as in a home network.

The benefits of a Homegroup appear in Windows Explorer, where you can easily browse another user’s shared libraries. They also show up in Windows Media Player and in Windows Media Center; the latter allow you to play recorded TV from another computer’s library.

Homegroups are another concept that requires an initial conceptual leap to understand. I’m interested in hearing feedback from readers who’ve installed the Windows 7 RC. Are you using Homegroups? How easy or difficult were they to set up, and are they working as you expect?

Another noteworthy change in the networking feature set makes wireless access points easier to connect to. When a wireless adapter is installed and active, an icon appears in the Notification area. Clicking that icon displays a list of available networks and gives you all the tools you need to connect securely.

In the gallery: Setting up a Homegroup, connecting to shared Homegroup resources, easier wireless

Source: http://blogs.zdnet.com