Create a Computer-to-Computer Network


You may find yourself in a situation where you want to share files with another Mac laptop, but you don't have access to the Internet, a network, or a cable (Ethernet or FireWire) to connect the two. If both Macs have Wi-Fi cards installed, you can create a computer-to-computer wireless network and share files. This network is not dependent on having an Internet connection available.

A computer-to-computer network is sometimes referred to as an ad hoc or peer-to-peer network.


1.

Make sure that the two or more Mac laptops you want to connect have Wi-Fi cards (such as AirPort Extreme) installed, and that the distance between them is within Wi-Fi's limited range (realistically, about 100 to 150 feet).

2.

From the AirPort status menu (below-left), choose "Create Network...."

Or open Internet Connect (it's in your Applications folder). Click the "AirPort" icon in the toolbar. From the "Network" pop-up menu (as called out on the previous page), choose "Create Network."

3.

In the "Computer-to-Computer" window (above-middle):

Name the new network.

Choose a Channel. If an existing wireless network is on the same channel, choose a number as far as possible from the existing number.

To add security, click "Show Options." The window expands to show the WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption options (above-right). See Step 4.

4.

Click the "Enable encryption" checkbox.

From the "WEP key" pop-up menu, choose "40-bit" or "128-bit" encryption.

Type a password in the "Password" field, then retype it in the "Confirm" field.

Click ok.

5.

Select the new computer-to-computer network in the AirPort status menu or from Internet Connect; see Step 2.

To share files, turn on Bonjour on both Macs (see page 180). Bonjour automatically detects other computers on the network. Drag files to a computer name in the Bonjour list, as shown on page 180.

To mount the other computer on your Desktop and access the enitre hard disk (or whatever folders they have chosen to share):

1.

Open a Finder window.

2.

Choose "Network" in the Sidebar.

3.

Double-click a name in the list.

4.

If you log on as a Guest, you'll have access to the other Mac's Public folder. You can put files in the "Drop Box" folder that's inside their Public folder.

If you know the password, you may have access to the entire hard disk. You need to enter the name and password of the computer you're connecting to.




Macs on the Go!(c) Guide to Mobile Computing for Mac Laptops Using Mac OS X
Macs on the Go
ISBN: 0321247485
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2006
Pages: 119

flylib.com © 2008-2017.
If you may any questions please contact us: flylib@qtcs.net