How to Connect to a Windows PC From a Mac

Windows PCs and Apple Mac computers have a long history of noncompatibility. But the latest versions of Mac OS X are making it easier. If you have both a Windows PC and a Mac computer connected to your network via a router, you can connect the two together and share your PC's folders and files on the Mac. Any folders on the PC that you approve for sharing can be found on the Mac by connecting to the server. You can still only open files that the Mac can read, meaning you can't use .EXE applications and other Windows-exclusive programs on the Mac.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Set up the Windows PC for file sharing. One at a time, right-click on each folder you want to share and choose the "Properties" option. Go to the sharing tab, check the box for sharing the folder on the network, create a name for the folder that will appear on the Mac and click "OK."

2. Get your PC's IP address. Input "ipconfig" in the Run command, and it will bring up a DOS-based setup window where the IP address will be included. If your PC has a name, remember that as well.

3. Switch to the Mac and go to the "Go" menu at the top of the screen (when the Finder is shown). Select the "Connect to Server" option. In the Server Address box, input "smb://" followed by the PC's name or IP address and click "Connect."

4. Look for the System Authentication dialog box to appear once the Mac has located your PC's shared folders. Enter your Windows username and password to gain access to the Windows folders.

5. Use the drop-down list in the next dialog box that appears to search the available shared Windows folders. Select the folder you want and click "OK." You can now access this folder from either the desktop or the Finder window, and you can open or copy any files that the Mac can read.

Tips & Warnings

• The PC name can be a better option to use when connecting to the server, as the IP address can change, especially when anything on the router is disconnected and reconnected.