Windows 8 In Depth

Internetworking with Macintosh

The Apple Macintosh is arguably the computer of choice in the music, graphic arts, design, and publishing worlds. Although Macs used to live pretty much in a world apart, it’s common now for both Macs and Windows computers to need to coexist on the same network. However, Macs normally use a proprietary file sharing system called AppleTalk File Protocol (AFP), whereas Windows computers use a protocol called Server Message Block (SMB).

To link Macs and PCs on a network, either the Macs must learn to “speak” SMB or the Windows computers must speak AFP. Both solutions are possible. On a corporate network based on Windows Server, your network administrator can install a component called Services for Macintosh (SFM), ...