How To:Install Software on a Netbook using a Networked desktop drive
Overview
Netbooks do not come with optical drives. This is actually less of a problem than many think in the new age of connectivity. You'll find that software can be download online direct from publishers, game services such as Steam, or via USB keys or SD drives.
However from time to time you may want to install something off a disc you have gathering dust in your cupboard. For example your Windows XP (Vista, Win 7, etc) installation disc if your manufacturer thought to include one. If you already have a desktop, or laptop, which has an optical drive then this can easily be shared over your network.
Network a desktop drive for your netbook
- On your desktop PC in "My Computer" select the DVD/CD you want to share.
- Right click and select Share.
- Tick the Share box and close.
- On the menu bar there should be a "Map a Drive".
- Click and browse to the new shared drive.
- Click ok.
- On your netbook open "Network". (Start/Computer/Network) There will be your main pc, in there is the DVD/CD you shared.
- Insert a disc and view on the laptop, install/play/watch a DVD playing on the main pc and viewing on the laptop.
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