How to Join a Workgroup From a MacBook

Computers can be grouped together on "workgroups" allowing them to share files.

Workgroups are, in essence, peer-to-peer networks that allow computers to connect to other computers for the purpose of sharing folders and files. While most Macbooks run on their own operating systems that differs from Windows they are capable of joining Windows-based workgroups for file access and sharing. It should be noted that workgroup access is determined by Windows workgroup computer users, who may or may not have allowed access to files.

Instructions

1. Click on the "Finder" icon in the Mac OS X dock located at the bottom of the Macbook's main screen.

2. Locate the Windows computer whose workgroup you want to join. Sometimes it will be listed as the name of the computer and other times it will simply say "WORKGROUP" in all caps. Click on the item and an image of a computer appears in the next column.

3. Click on the "Connect as" button under the computer image. Wait a few seconds and enter the user name and password of the computer you are connecting to. Or you will be prompted to enter the user name and password of the specific workgroup.

Tips & Warnings

• To join a workgroup, you must be connected to the local area network either through a wired connection or a wireless connection to a router that the workgroup computer is connected to.