How to Connect to a Public Folder in OS X Leopard

Sharing files between Mac computers is easy and secure with Public Folder Sharing in Mac OS X. In this lesson, learn how to connect to another Mac users Public Folder and upload a file.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   Devices icon in an open Finder window

   In an open Finder window in column view, find “Devices” on the left hand side of the window. Under the inverted triangle, you will notice an icon for your computer. Click on the icon to bring up the available devices.

2. 
    
   Available network devices

   Under “Devices” you will see “Network.” Click on “Network” to show the available network devices.

3. 
    
   File sharing in column view

   Under “Network” you will see a list of available Macs that have"File Sharing" enabled. Click on the Mac you wish to share files with. In the next column you will see a number of options, including “Connect As” and “Share Screen.” Under those options, will be an icon of the “Public Folder” of the Mac you will connect to.

4. 
    
   Drop Box icon

   Click on the “Public Folder" icon and in the next column you will see an icon for the “Drop Box.” The “Drop Box” is where you will upload your file(s).

5. 
    
   Dragging the file to the Public Folder

   Drag and drop the file you wish to copy to the "Drop Box” of the connected Mac.

6. 
    
   Click "OK" to upload the file

   You will see a dialogue window explaining that although you will be copying the file, you won’t be able to see the results of the file copy. Click “OK” to upload the file and let the file copy progress window finish.Your file has been uploaded to the connected Mac’s “Public Folder.”

7. 
    
   Dissconecting the Public Folder

   To disconnect from the “Public Folder” once you have completed uploading your file(s), click the "Disconnect" icon in the “Public Folder” column of your Finder window.