Can 2 Systems share 1 USB HDD simultaneously?

[Goof]

I've got a couple of systems and I want them to have quick, instant access to the same HDD.

I've always found windows sharing to be a bit of a connectivity nightmare so I was wondering if there's any USB drives out there that I could have hooked up to 2 systems simultaneously?

 

[Goof]

Thanks for the replies

Yeah, as mentioned was hoping to avoid using windows file sharing, partially because of security, partially because windows networking can be buggy as hell!

I liked the idea of having an external portable drive and I could just have a USB connection to each system and I wouldn't have all the bother of workgroups and windows trying to find the drive - but from what you're all saying, that's not available.

Delvis - I do have a router for internet, yes. Both systems are linked to it. I take it accessing via the router would be easier? Does an ethernet drive differ from a NAS housing?

The reason I have concerns over connectivity/security is that I'll be using it for my business and I can't afford to have one of those days where windows decides the network isn't going to work and will take 2 hours of farting about to fix, I need bullet-proof connectivity!

 

[Goof]

No worries, now that I've clarified my reasons/usage/concerns hopefully someone can help - but from the sounds of it NAS connected via router may be the way to go.