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A Windows computerIn the previous century, file sharing between Macs and PCs was a mutually exclusive thing. Macs communicated with Macs and PCs communicated with PCs, with very little fraternization permitted. Mac users cringed at the thought of polluting networks with PCs. The only exception was when a Mac shop would have a Windows NT file server attached, as Apple's product line lacked an appropriate file server machine, a function that the NT box was perfectly suited for. -
A Macintosh computerAllowing computer to communicate with each other, particularly computers that are different platforms, is huge. Because most computer users perform different functions, the type of computer needed to handle the job has to be different. An accountant at a firm has different computing needs than a graphic designer at the same firm, so why should they have the same type of computer? -
Enabling file sharing in WindowsBoth Windows and Macintosh computers make file sharing extremely easy. On a PC, you can enable file sharing by selecting "Tools" under the "Start" Menu. Then choose "Folder Options." Next select "Use Simple File Sharing" and click "OK." Macintosh users can enable file sharing by opening "System Preferences," selecting "Sharing" and enabling "File Sharing." Here you can also dictate which files you would like to share, and what privileges certain users will have. -
Enabling file sharing on the MacFiles that are shared have to be read by users on the other platform. The Microsoft Office Suite, for example, is cross-platform. But there are many apps that are platform-specific, so thought has to be given to the choice of software. However, configuring each computer to allow different levels of file sharing is a time-intensive task. If you're watching your budget, you have to factor in the time and cost for your IT professional to handle that task. -
With both platforms, the network hardware remains the sameBefore giving users access other user's hard drives, consider who should be sharing data and who should be allowed to access it. Macs are generally immune to PC viruses, but can indeed pass infected files along. Disable sharing if you no longer want to allow others to access your files. An alternate method is to install a shared drive on the network, one that allows users to share files without sacrificing security.
