Networking with a Windows PC
Summary
This document provides an overview of options for connecting a Macintosh to a PC or other computer on the same network. In this article a "PC" is a computer using Microsoft Windows with an AMD or Intel microprocessor.
Products Affected
Mac OS X 10.2, Windows PC
There are several ways to connect to a Windows PC. First, you must physically connect the two computers to a network, which may be as simple as a single cable connecting the two. Once this is done, you must start some type of sharing (or file service) on at least one of the two computers.
The computer that is sharing is known as a server. The computer that connects to it is called a client.
To connect, the client computer just needs an application program that can connect to the type of service being offered. Sometimes this application is a built-in part of the operating system, such as the Mac OS X Finder or Windows file browser.
When you connect two computers together, it's useful to understand what is meant by "client" and "server." Though the idea conveyed by these terms is simple and generally consistent, there is an important variation on each: Any computer that offers a service is a "server" in that context. However, the term is also used to describe a computer or operating system that has been designed expressly for that purpose, such as Mac OS X Server. In addition to describing the computer, "client" is also used to describe the software used to connect to a particular service. A Web browser, for example, is an HTTP client.
For greatest convenience in a work environment, you may want everyone on the network to be able to freely connect to each other's computer. This would mean you need to achieve bi-directional service, in which each computer can both share to and connect to another computer. In the example of a Mac OS X 10.2 computer and a Windows 2000 computer, this is as simple as turning on sharing at each computer. In other examples below, additional software may be required to achieve this.
Making a physical connection
The physical components of an Ethernet network are compatible with computers that use many different operating systems--such as Mac OS, Microsoft Windows, Linux, and UNIX. You can connect all of these computers to the same physical network, which may be wired or wireless (AirPort, for example).
Making a service connection
Services are designed for various tasks, such as transferring files, webpages, or print jobs. Common examples that you may use are:
- AppleShare (also known as AFP, Personal File Sharing, Apple File Service)
- File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
- Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP, used primarily for webpages)
- LPR (Line Printer Request, common for printing)
- SMB (Windows file sharing)
To get two computers on the same network to communicate with each other, you must identify a client-service relationship that they have in common. When you have computers using different operating systems on your network, it may help you to list the services offered by each operating system. You could then list the services each operating system can connect to using its built-in client software, such as the Chooser (Mac OS 9), the Connect to Server command (Mac OS X), the Windows file browser, or a Web browser. If you identify gaps in the desired client-service arrangement, third-party software may provide the missing components, thus adding possibilities that do not exist "out-of-box." Here are several examples:
For each example scenario, other options exist. Before you can connect, a service must be intentionally turned on at the computer that offers it. For more information, see the documents linked below.
Connect Windows 2000 to Mac OS X 10.2, 10.3, or 10.4
Mac OS X 10.2 or later offers Windows File Sharing (SMB). Windows connects to SMB.
Connect Mac OS X to Windows 2000
Windows 2000 offers SMB service. Mac OS X 10.1 or later can connect to SMB service in the Finder.
Connect Windows 2000 to Mac OS X 10.1
Mac OS X 10.1 can offer FTP service, found in Sharing preferences. Windows 2000 can connect using any standard FTP client, which includes many Web browsers.
Connect Mac OS 9 to Mac OS X
Mac OS X offers file sharing service (AppleShare). Mac OS 9 can connect to AppleShare from the Chooser.
Connect Windows 98 to Mac OS 9
Mac OS 9 can offer HTTP service, which can be used to transfer either Web pages or files when configured properly. Windows 98 (and many other operating systems) can connect with a standard Web browser.
Connect Mac OS 9 to Windows 98
Windows 98 offers SMB service. If you install third-party SMB client software on Mac OS 9, then it can connect to SMB.
Additional Information
Locating third-party products
You can locate third-party products using at these websites:
Macintosh Product Guide
http://www.guide.apple.com/
VersionTracker
http://www.versiontracker.com/
Tip:
Click the tab for the operating system you are using, then search on a keyword phrase like "Windows AppleShare client".
Important: Mention of third-party websites and products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance or use of information or products found at third-party websites. Apple provides this only as a convenience to our users. Apple has not tested the information found on these sites and makes no representations regarding its accuracy or reliability. There are risks inherent in the use of any information or products found on the Internet, and Apple assumes no responsibility in this regard. Please understand that a third-party site is independent from Apple and that Apple has no control over the content on that website. Please contact the vendor for additional information.