How to Use the Mac OS X Leopard Back to My Mac Feature

The "Back to My Mac" feature in Mac OS X Leopard is a convenient way to access files on a computer while away from it. With "Back to My Mac," your data is just a few keystrokes away, wherever you are.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Sign up for a .Mac membership. Trial memberships are available if you're just looking to try out the "Back to My Mac" feature.

2. Designate at least two Leopard-based Mac computers to use with the feature. Verify 128-Kbps Internet and Airport connections or a third-party Internet router.

3. Select the "Apple" menu and click "System Preferences." Navigate to the "View" and select ".Mac" under it. Sign out if the computer already has a .Mac account listed.

4. Type the new .Mac username and password and sign in.

5. Choose the "Back to My Mac" tab on the screen and make sure "Back to My Mac" is enabled. Click "Start" if it's disabled.

6. Mark "Open Sharing Preferences" and verify that screen sharing and file sharing are enabled.

7. Exit "System Preferences."

8. Repeat the process on your second Mac computer.

9. Open Finder windows on both your computers. Check the sidebar for the list of two, shared computers. Click on one computer and select "Connect."

10. Begin accessing files.

Tips & Warnings

• Computers in "sleeping" mode will not be able available for Back to My Mac features.
• Third-party Internet routers need to support UPnP or NAT-PMP to work with "Back to My Mac." Manually configure your routers if necessary.
• Firewalls may complicate the "Back to My Mac" feature.