Is it possible to set up an external hard drive so both laptop and computer can access it?

[Chrisruptor]

So I just bought an external hard drive (2TB) and wondering if I can set it up in such a way that I can keep it plugged in somewhere and without connecting it via cable to each computer and moving it from place to place, instead, is there a way to connect to it over the wifi or network, so that either computer can access and save files onto it without issue? I don't really know anything about setting up networks.

If so, is there a security risk attached to these methods? i.e. risk of external computers hacking into it and gaining access to files?

 

[Wisecracker]

If your router has a USB port, you may purchase an external enclosure for the HDD and attach it for 'network storage'

If you log into your router you should find config instructions.

 

[plivin89]

you can either buy a router that support nas (pretty much a router were you could plug the external hard drive in and access it via wifi or Ethernet ) or you can plug the external harddrive in your computer then right click on the hard drive or a folder in the hard drive and properties then share ten add everyone. and from your other computer click network and it should pop up

http://www.amazon.ca/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=wireless+router+usb&tag=googcana-20&index=electronics&hvadid=37794579906&hvpos=1t3&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7090415252846244111&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_6ma95g4a7h_b

 

[Pooneil]

The easiest way is if your router has a USB port for this purpose. If it does, then turn the router service on and plug in the external hard drive. The drive should show up in Windows under the network.

And yes, the drive will be modestly less secure than one attached to a windows computer and shared within the homegroup. So it depends on what you have on the drive. Family photos, MP3s, DVD rips, and the like should be fine, business records will be a bit riskier. But if your system is behind a strong and private WPA2 password, the chances of a breach are pretty low.