sharing files on a network

I am having major problems. I am on a network that I have been told does not allow for sharing files only downloads. Since I am using my own laptop the system administrator has said that there is a way to allow sharing files on my computer, but hecan’t tell me how to do it. I have tried doing the propoerties of the folder & allowing for sharing, but that doesn’t do anything. The administrator had said to try the specific port for the network I”m trying to access, but if I do that, I can’t get on any network. Any ideas on how to connect to different programs that allow sharing of files, but my network does not? Help!