Edit Steps
Windows Method
- 1Plug your desktop into the modem, router or gateway that provides your Internet service access and home network.
- Most modern computers will connect via Ethernet or Cat5 cable.
- You should be able to connect remotely to a wireless access point if your desktop computer is fitted with a wireless networking card.
- 2Boot the desktop computer and prepare to share files residing on that system.
- On a PC, right-click the file location you want to share file access to. For example, most documents are stored under the "My Documents" hierarchy.
- Click "Share" from the drop-down menu.
- You can add existing user IDs to the list of those who may have access. If you are the only one who has a user account on your PC, you can skip this step.
- Click the Share button and wait a few moments for the process to finish. Click the Done button when it becomes available.
- 3Power up your laptop and prepare those files for sharing. Follow the same procedures as above.
- Open the home Network and Sharing Center from the computer to which you want to copy or transfer files.
- The Network and Sharing Center is available from the Windows Start menu on computers using the Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems.
- 4Browse to the files you want.
- Click the computer name that is currently housing the files.
- When prompted, enter the user name and password for your account on that PC.
- 5Right-click and drag the files onto the other computer's desktop or other location. Select "copy" or "move" as appropriate from the popup menu to transfer files.
Mac Method
- 1Connect to the modem, router or gateway on your desktop Mac, either wirelessly or via Ethernet cable.
- 2Click the Apple icon, then choose "System Preferences."
- 3Prepare your files for sharing.
- Choose the Sharing option from the View menu.
- Click the plus sign icon in the Shared Folders window and browse to share folders tow which you need access.
- Add each folder and designate any other users that will have access.
- 4Repeat the procedure on your Mac laptop computer.
- 5Access your shared files and folders from the Finder sidebar on either computer.
- You can drag and drop, or copy and paste, to transfer files from one computer to the other.
Edit Tips
- It is possible to use file sharing cross-platform between a Mac and a Windows-based PC. Share files as usual on both computers. In the Mac sharing options, change the file format to SMB. Pass the files back and forth from the Mac machine.
Edit Warnings
- Sharing your files over an open and unprotected home network can be dangerous. Be sure to only use a security-enabled network and to password-protect all systems with shared files or folders.
Edit Things You'll Need
- Desktop computer
- Laptop Computer
- Ethernet cables or wireless networking cards
- Modem, router or gateway
- Internet access
Edit Related wikiHows
Edit Sources and Citations
Articles for You to Write
Here
is a list of suggested articles that have not yet been written. You can
help by researching and writing one of these articles. To get started
writing one of these articles, click on the red link of a title below.
Article Info
Last edited:
May 5, 2011 by Bluesorrow12
Categories:
Computers and Electronics
Recent edits by: (see all)
May 5, 2011 by Bluesorrow12
Categories:
Computers and Electronics
Recent edits by: (see all)
