How to Network an Apple, Mac & PC

Network a Mac and a PC.

Networking an Apple Mac and a PC together gets easier and easier as time progresses. Both Mac OS X and Windows have made changes over the years to make connecting the two different kinds of computers together relatively simple. With a network connection in place, either wired or wireless, it is possible to share both files and printers between a Mac and a PC.

Things You'll Need

• Mac and PC connected to the same wired or wireless network

Instructions

Mac Set-up

1. Click the "System Preferences" icon in the Dock, or choose "System Preferences" from the "Apple menu" in the upper, left corner of the screen.

2. Click "Sharing" under the "Internet & Wireless" category.

3. Click the padlock icon and enter your password to make changes.

4. Click the check mark next to "File Sharing," if you want to share files on the Mac. Click the "Options" button and place a check mark next to "Share files and folders using SMB (Windows)." Choose the folders you wish to share and the access level each folder will have, such as read-only or read and write.

5. Click the check mark next to "Printer Sharing," if you want to share any printers connected to the Mac. Choose which printers you want to share on the network and which users can print to it.

6. Change the text in the "Computer Name" box if you wish. This is how the Mac will appear on the network from Windows.

Windows XP Set-up

1. Right-click on the folder to be shared. Select "Sharing and Security..."

2. Click the button next to "Share this folder" and choose a share name.

3. Click the "Permissions" button. Either choose the specific users you wish to have access to this folder, or add the names "Everyone" and "Guests" with either read permissions or "full control" to allow the most open access to the shared folder.

Windows Vista and 7 Set-up

1. Right-click the folder you wish to share and choose "Share With..." then "Specific People..."

2. Add the user(s) you wish to have access to the shared folder. Alternatively, add "Everyone" and "Guests" and set either "Read" or "Read/Write" permissions to allow the most open access to the shared folder.

3. Click the "Share" button at the bottom of the window.

Tips & Warnings

• After the sharing steps are in place, Windows XP can access the Mac through "Network Neighborhood." Windows Vista and 7 can access the Mac through "My Network Places." The Mac can access the PCs by choosing the "Go" menu from the Finder and selecting "Connect to Server."