Using an extra computers HDD as network share drive?

I want to make use of an extra computer sitting in my section in such a way that I can allow everyone who belong to my office section to use as shared drive. This computer is on LAN as well as Internet. Can u pl let me know how to do it, some free utility or program and how will everyone acess it from their computers, will they need its IP address ir soemthing else. Also will they be able to create a shorcut on their PC so that they dont have to enter the IP add evertime. What aboyt Macs do they get the priviledge of using this PCs hard drive. thanks for your replies.

If you're using Windows, you can share the drive (or better yet folders on the drive) by right-clicking on the folder and selecing Sharing and Security.

I assume everyone is in the same domain or workgroup? That'll make thing easier. Click on Share this Folder. By default, everyone will be able to read but not change the data. Click on Permissions and then given everyone the permissions you need them to have.

The other computers should be able to browse for that network share or just go to it using the \\computername\sharename format.

There are several things that can get in the way including users in different workgroups, windows firewall, other windows settings and more. If you have problems getting to the share once you do the above, post a more specific question for addtl help.

If you're using Windows, you can place them all in the same workgroup and they should be able to see one another. I don't believe the macs will be able to see them though.