Setting Up a Home Network With Mac

Introduction

A home network allows your Mac to communicate with other computers on the same network. This makes sharing data and files between computers easy and is especially relevant for small businesses, schools or multiple-computer households. A home network can also allow the Mac computer to connect to the Internet. Most homes have a network setup for their Mac, even if it is simply a wireless connection between the Mac and the Internet router.

Components of a Home Network for the Mac

A home network requires a router or server to control the flow of data within the network. Computers on the network also need a method of communicating with the router. All recently released Macs have built-in wireless capabilities that allow them to connect with a router or server on the network via 802.11b/g wireless technology. Alternatively, the Mac can be connected to a home network using an Ethernet cable. For routers, most home networks utilize a broadband Internet router provided by their Internet service provider (ISP). The Mac connects with the router via Ethernet or wireless and thereby connects to the online broadband connection.

Setting Up a Home Network with a Mac for Internet Browsing

Turn on the router. Ensure it is plugged into your telephone jack and successfully connected to the Internet (the lights on the front of the router should be glowing green and not flashing red). Open the Mac. Click the Apple icon in the top left-hand corner of the screen. Select "System Preferences" from the drop-down menu. Click "Network." Look in the left-hand menu and select "Airport" (if you are connecting via wireless) or "Ethernet" (if you are using a hard-wired cable). The Mac will automatically sense an open network and ask if you would like to join it. Confirm and wait for the red button icon next to the connection method (e.g. Airport or Ethernet) to turn green. This signifies you have successfully connected to the home network.

Setting Up a Home Network with a Mac for File Sharing

The Mac can also be used for setting up a home network to share files and data between Mac computers. Click the Apple menu in the top left-hand corner of the Mac OSX screen. Click "System Preferences" from the drop-down menu. Select the "Sharing" icon in the second row of system preferences listed. Click the check box next to each type of file system or data system that you would like to share on the home network. For example, click "File Sharing" to allow other computers to access data and files on the individual Mac. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the set-up process.

Security Issues of Home Networks

While the Mac is not susceptible to the security risks and viruses associated in the Windows-based computer world, home networks can pose a small risk to Macs connected to it. Invariably, adding a Mac to a network increases the risk of an unauthorized individual gaining access to your personal data. Turn on the Mac's built-in firewall (click "System Preferences" and select "Security") and never open files or emails from other computers on the network without first verifying authenticity.