Network setup for PC and Mac

Network Administration - With a network of computers using Windows 7, users can easily share files and printers over the network via the HomeGroups feature . However in this tutorial we will show you how to set up a network to share files and printers with Mac.

Network setup for PC and Mac Picture 1

Set up Windows 7 to share the printer

Windows can share the printer with other PCs on the network so that any computer on the network can connect to the printer (it only needs to be turned on). Here's how to set up this sharing feature in Windows 7.

Open the Devices and Printers window from the Start menu, double-click your printer. Select Customize your printer and click the Sharing tab in the following window. Select the Share this printer checkbox.

Unless you are connecting to a cluster of identical PC computers, skip the option to download additional printer drivers on this host system. This work can be done very simply and quickly on the client. Approve the options and close the Properties window.

Set up Windows 7 to share and connect files

Windows 7 allows you to share files through its shared folders and manual selection. If you want to share files with anyone on your network, you just need to move them to the shared location within any Libraries in the left pane of the window.

You can also share files and folders wherever they reside. Then, select an item to share, select the Share with menu at the top of the window. Select Homegroup (Read) to allow everyone in your home network to open but cannot change the contents of the files. Select Homegroup (Read / Write) to allow people to open and edit files.

Select Specific people if you want to restrict access to certain user accounts. If you have not created accounts before, you need to create a new login and password for those who can access the file. Go to User Accounts and Family Safety in Control Panel , then click Add or remove user accounts . Click Create a new account .

Follow the instructions to create a Standard user, select the account , and click Create a password . Now if you want to share with specific people, click the drop-down arrow and add a new account to the list.

Next, connect to the file. If you are in the same HomeGroup with other Windows 7 computers, simply open a new window and look in the Homegroup area on the left, select PC and browse to the shared library within it.

If another PC is not connected through Windows 7 HomeGroup, you can browse the Network tab to find it.

Share files between Mac OS X and Windows 7

Mac OS X computers can share or receive shared files from Windows 7. To do this, we need to do a few more steps on the OS X computer. Open Network System Preference , click the network connection. on the left panel and click Advanced .

Click the WINS tab, type the workgroup name of the Windows 7 computer and click OK . Click Apply .

On a Windows 7 computer, if the Mac does not appear in the Network area, type the Mac's computer name into the Windows file browser.

For example, the Mac is called " Felix ", then hit Felix . Enter the username and password to connect the file. Besides, you can browse shared Windows 7 files in OS X.

On the Mac, go to Finder , select Go: Connect to Server and enter the SMB file path of the Windows computer. For example, a Windows 7 computer is named SLOTH , so type smb: // SLOTH .

Enter your username and password to end the connection. Your multi-operating network will be set up.

Share the printer on Windows 7

Mac OS X computers can use the printer shared on Windows as another PC can. This is how to use the LPD standard (Line Printer Daemon) to share the printer.

On a Windows 7 computer, go to the control panel , Programs , click Turn Windows features on or off . Double-click Print and Document Services , and activate LPD Print Service . Click OK .

On Mac OS X computer, open Print & Fax System Preference . Click the plus icon to add a new printer. Right-click on the toolbar and select Customize Toolbar .

Then drag the Advanced button to the toolbar and click Done . Click Advanced , select LDB / LPR Host or Printer type .

Enter the path with the PC name and the printer name. In this article, our Windows 7 PC has the name " SLOTH " and the printer is named " EPSON_R1800 ", so the path will be lpd: // SLOTH / EPSON_R1800 .

Click Select Printer Software in the Print Choosing menu and select the printer from the list. Click OK and Add .

Share printer on Mac

Windows 7 can also connect to a printer on Mac OS X over the network. On the Mac, open Sharing System Preference , click Printer Sharing .

Choose your printer. On a Windows 7 computer, click Start , Devices and Printers , click Add a printer . Click the printer you want not listed.

Enter the path to the Mac and the printer. In the article, the Mac is called 'Felix' and the printer is 'Epson Stylus Photo R1800'. So we need to enter FelixEpson Stylus Photo R1800 and click Next .

Follow the instructions to finish the installation.