Your MacBook comes with the capability to share files, printers, and similar items with other computers. These computers don't have to be Macs; they can be PCs running Microsoft Windows or UNIX-based operating systems. All you need to do to set up sharing is open the Sharing preferences pane and change a few settings. Open the Sharing pane now by choosing Apple > System Preferences > Sharing.
The first thing you will see is your computer's name. You should make sure this is something that will easily identify your computer on a network, such as Jake's Computer (assuming your name is Jake). This will help the person who is trying to connect to your computer when you are file sharing.
The sidebar on the left side of the Sharing pane contains a number of services. As you click on each service, options will appear in the main part of the pane that pertain to that sharing service. To activate a service, just check the box next to it. To turn it off, uncheck the box. Pretty easy, right? Let's go through them now so that you can adjust your settings.
DVD or CD Sharing - Turn this service on if you want to allow designated people to access media stored on your optical drive, assuming that you have one in your MacBook model. Likewise, if you have the MacBook Air, which doesn't come with a built-in drive, you could use this service to access the optical drive on someone else's Mac, if they have this setting turned on. This comes in handy if you don't have an optical drive and need to install something from a disc.
Screen Sharing - Screen sharing allows someone on another computer to remotely control your MacBook and see what you see on your screen. This is helpful when you are working with a tech support person to troubleshoot a problem with your MacBook. You don't want just anyone creeping around in your MacBook's files, so make sure that you either turn this on only when you need it and then disable it again, or that you only allow very trusted people remote access. Use the + and – buttons to add authorized users.
File Sharing - File sharing allows other people on your network to access specified folders and files on your computer. Turn File Sharing on if you want others to have access, and then specify which folders they can access by using the + and – buttons to add them to the Shared Folders list. You can then select the users who can access these folders.
You can also select a folder to share by using the Finder. Search for and select the folder, choose Get Info from the File menu, and check the box next to Shared Folder to share it. Uncheck the box to stop sharing the item. If File Sharing isn't turned on already, the Finder will prompt you to do so. Clicking Options lets you select which network protocol will be used when others are accessing your system. There are three options:
Printer Sharing and Scanner Sharing - These two services allow others to use printers or scanners that are connected to your computer. To enable printer sharing, simply check the Printer Sharing check box in the Service list on the left of the Sharing pane. Choose which print queue to share by selecting it from the middle pane.
By default, all users will be able to print using your shared print queue. To change this, click the + button below the Users list on the right. A drop-down list of users will appear. Select one or more people to add and click Select. Once you do this, only those users will be able to access your shared print queue. The same procedure is used for sharing your scanner after you click Scanner Sharing.
Web Sharing - This service allows other users to view web pages on your computer. You might use this if you are hosting a website on your computer.
Remote Login - Remote Login lets other people log into your MacBook using Secure Shell (SSH). This is similar to Screen Sharing and should be turned on with caution and only as directed by tech support personnel.
Remote Management - This service also allows people to remotely access and control your MacBook, only this time they need to use Apple's Remote Desktop software to do it. Reserve the use of this for troubleshooting, and then only when directed by tech support to do so.
Remote Apple Events - This service allows other people to send Apple Events directly to your computer. Since these events are basically commands for your computer to follow, like running an application, it's best to leave this one turned off, too.
Xgrid Sharing - Xgrid Sharing typically is used in a workplace environment. It allows a group of networked computers to access the processing power of your MacBook when you aren't using it. By combining resources from many computers, complex computational tasks can be performed more quickly. You'll probably never use this.
Internet Sharing - Using this service enables other computers to access the Internet through your computer. Generally, it's a lot easier just to hook up the other computer to the Internet in some fashion, using a wired or wireless connection. Don't bother with this if you have dial-up or satellite Internet, and check with your ISP's Terms of Service before turning this on.
Bluetooth Sharing - You can alter the settings that your MacBook uses when connecting to Bluetooth devices. Select where you want files received via Bluetooth to be saved and decide whether you require pairing before sharing.
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