OS X Lion: Share your computer with others on your network
You can set up your computer to share files, folders, and other services with users on your network. You can share a website you host on your computer, or a printer connected to your computer. You can even share your computer’s screen.
Use the information on this page to help you set up your computer to share the services you want with the users you want to share with.
DVD or CD sharing
If you have installed the DVD or CD Sharing Setup software, you can allow users of other computers to access your DVD or CD drive. This can be helpful if the other computer doesn’t have an optical drive, or if you want to provide access to your optical drive to other computers on your Ethernet or wireless network.
File sharing
You can set up your computer to share your entire computer with everyone, or restrict the sharing service to allow specific users access to only certain folders. You can share files using Apple Filing Protocol (AFP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), or Server Message Block (SMB) protocol.
Screen sharing
You can set up your computer so that others can share your screen. While your screen is shared, a user of another computer sees what’s on your screen and can open, move, and close files and windows; open applications; and even restart your computer.
Printer or scanner sharing
If you have a printer or scanner connected to your computer, you can allow others on your network to use it.
Web sharing
If you have a website on your computer, you can allow other users on your network to access it.
Remote login
If you allow remote login, you can use Secure Shell (SSH) to log in to your computer from another location.
Remote Apple events
You can set your computer to respond to events sent from other computers on a network.
Internet sharing
If your computer is connected to the Internet, you can share its connection with other computers on your local network.