Chapter 14. Networking, File Sharing, & Screen Sharing
Networks are awesome. Once youâve got a network, you can copy files from one machine to anotherâeven between Windows PCs and Macsâjust as youâd drag files between folders a single computer. You can send little messages to other peopleâs screens. Everyone on the network can consult the same database or calendar, or listen to the same iTunes music collection. You can play games over the network. You can share a single printer or cable modem among all the computers in the office. You can connect to the network from wherever you are in the world, using the Internet as the worldâs longest extension cord back to your office.
In Mac OS X, you can even do screen sharing, which means that you, the wise computer whiz, can see whatâs on the screen of your pathetic, floundering relative or buddy elsewhere on the network. You can seize control of the other Macâs mouse and keyboard. You can troubleshoot, fiddle with settings, and so on. Itâs the next best thing to being thereâoften, a lot better than being there.
This chapter concerns itself with local networkingâsetting up a network in your home or small office. But donât miss its sibling, Chapter 10, which is about hooking up to the somewhat larger network called the Internet.
Wiring the Network
Most people connect their computers using one of two connection systems: Ethernet or WiFi (which Apple calls AirPort).
Ethernet Networks
Every Mac (except the MacBook Air) and ...
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