
NAS and SAN solutions can make adding storage easier.Network drives are a central storage location that makes them easier to backup and mirror.
Permissions can specify the people you want to be able to view or edit the files. A network drive and its files can be shared with many people. What are the advantages of a network drive?īelow is a list of the reasons why it is better to use a network drive instead of a local drive. Accessing the H: drive would open the network path. After the drive is mapped, when looking at available drives you'll see an H: drive that looks like all other drives on your computer. For example, you may map a network drive to the H: drive in Windows. \\hope\helpįinally, a mapped drive is a networked drive that is assigned a drive letter. In the example, "hope" is the server name and "help" is a shared folder on that server. On a Windows computer, a network path may resemble the example below. Unless mapped (explained below), the network drive is only accessible by entering the network path. c:\WindowsĪ network drive is any drive only accessible over a network. Below is a good example of a local drive path of the Windows directory on the C: drive ( primary hard drive). Although these drives could be shared, by default, they're only accessible to the user of the computer. Local drive, network drive, and mapped driveĪlthough a local drive, network drive, and mapped drive are all considered drives, they each have unique differences.Ī local drive is a drive ( internal or external) that is connected to your computer. Network and network card help and support. What are the disadvantages of a network drive?. What are the advantages of a network drive?.
Local drive, network drive, and mapped drive.