In Windows 7, Microsoft has included a new networking feature aimed to ease networking computers and sharing files on a home network called HomeGroups. In the past, networking computers meant assigning them to a specific workgroup and it was tough to get it all working right all the time, so HomeGroups aim to solve all those issues by making it "one-click", which it pretty much is.

HomeGroup allows users to share their documents, music, and photos between home computers running Windows 7 on a home network. We should be clear here: this will only work with Windows 7 computers, any systems running any other version of Windows will have to still be networked the "old fashion" way. HomeGroup also allows users to share USB connected printers among their computers too, allowing any computer in the HomeGroup to print to any printer in the home, provided it too is connected to a Windows 7 computer in the HomeGroup.

When you setup your network connection for the first time in Windows 7, it will prompt you to choose a location for your computer, in this case, choose "Home Network", which will allow you to use HomeGroups. After a few seconds of configuration, the wizard will prompt you to choose which type of files to share (pictures, documents, music, etc).

Once you've done that, the last thing the setup wizard will do is show you the generated, unique password for your HomeGroup, which you will use to join other Windows 7 computers.

To join another computer to the HomeGroup, go to Start -> Control Panel -> Network and Sharing Center. Then click on "Available to Join" under the heading, View Your Active Networks. In the screen shot below, the computer shown is already a member of the HomeGroup, but it will show up in the same blue highlighted area. Once you click join, it will ask you one more time to confirm joining and then ask for that password that the main HomeGroup computer gave to you. You will then choose which file types to share with other computers on the HomeGroup, which gives you an element of privacy if you desire it.

Once joined, the computers in the HomeGroup and their shared files will appear in the left navigation pane under "HomeGroup" in any Windows Explorer window. Also, a new "Share With" drop-down has been added to the top menu of Windows Explorer too, which lets you individually tell Windows 7 which files or folders you want to share or not share.

Windows 7 will also automatically install any printers located within the HomeGroup to all computer joined and you can print to it from any system just like you would a regular, local printer. Windows Media Player & Windows Media Center will also automatically search HomeGroup computers for media files that it can play, which makes an excellent home entertainment setup if you have content strewn across many computers.

HomeGroups are again best used for home networks where you have files that you want accessible from multiple locations in your home. It allows for quick and easy setup with any of the hassle of the traditional method of file-sharing among networked computers. Novice users will find it a snap to use and media enthusiasts will appreciate the robust media streaming features too.