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Level 1

9 points

Sharing files with multiple users on single iMac

THIS IS a REPOST from another location - more appropriate "thread"
After switching to Mac from a PC about a month ago (& not being technologically over-adept), I have finally succeeded in creating separate "User" accounts on my iMac (1 admin, 1 standard, 1 managed) to allow the 3 users in my household to create their own workspace. However, now I would like to allow them to access all files from some applications - iTunes, iPhoto, Address Book, etc. - and some of the files within Numbers, Pages, & Keynote (that were theirs to start with...but they were working on in "my" admin space before establishing separate Users.) As an additional challenge, I'd still like to have access to their files...for monitoring purposes...as we go forward. I've "searched" the Apple support files and found reference to some of this but (1) I can't seem to figure out how to move the files into the Public Folder (I did one, then logged in as another User & it wasn't there...) and (2) If they access files from the Public Folder, will they need to specifically save them back there when done? -- my other users will NEVER remember to put something back where they got it...

imac, Mac OS X (10.5.7)

Posted on Aug 2, 2009 10:27 PM

Best reply

William-Boyd-Jr

Level 6

10,578 points

Posted on Aug 3, 2009 9:35 AM

gogirl143 wrote:
THIS IS a REPOST from another location - more appropriate "thread"
After switching to Mac from a PC about a month ago (& not being technologically over-adept), I have finally succeeded in creating separate "User" accounts on my iMac (1 admin, 1 standard, 1 managed) to allow the 3 users in my household to create their own workspace. However, now I would like to allow them to access all files from some applications - iTunes, iPhoto, Address Book, etc. - and some of the files within Numbers, Pages, & Keynote (that were theirs to start with...but they were working on in "my" admin space before establishing separate Users.) As an additional challenge, I'd still like to have access to their files...for monitoring purposes...as we go forward. I've "searched" the Apple support files and found reference to some of this but (1) I can't seem to figure out how to move the files into the Public Folder (I did one, then logged in as another User & it wasn't there...) and (2) If they access files from the Public Folder, will they need to specifically save them back there when done? -- my other users will NEVER remember to put something back where they got it...

You should be able to put those files in /Users/Shared . However, depending on the application, there may be issues doing that regarding permissions. You can research iPhoto and iTunes for specific issues.

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19 replies

Király

Level 6

10,017 points

Aug 7, 2009 1:04 PM in response to gogirl143

gogirl143 wrote:
Kiraly -- I'm trying to work up the nerve to try your solution...you're right to a new user, that solution looks a little daunting.

Just go for it. It works. Nothing else is going to work as well.

Question to you - in step #3 - log in to admin account (means me? - original User, given full privileges upon purchase, I assume)...

The original account you set up when you first turned on your Mac is an admin account, unless you specifically removed admin rights from that account at a later time.

"Launch Terminal"? ...haven't used this yet, where is it exactly that I'm pasting in those 3 lines of code AND are the backslashes Return/Enter(s) or actual backslashes? Sorry, haven't done actual "programming" since highschool...

Terminal is in the /Applications/Utilities folder. I just use Spotlight (magnifying glass at the top right corner of your screen) to open apps or find things. Just paste in the three lines exactly as you see them. The backslashes are actual backslashes.

Aug 7, 2009 2:19 PM in response to gogirl143

gogirl143 wrote:
When logged in as another User - I open HD/Users/Shared/ Folder Perm Info=Me (Admin User) is Read/Write, Staff is Read Only, Everybody is Read/Write...all files (that I want them to have access to change)=same permissions as above, other files I want them to be able to SEE in that file are the same except Everybody is Read Only. Do I need to + each User, with permissions to Read/Write instead of designate as "Everybody"?

You shouldn't have to.

Does it change anything if you set permissions for "Staff" to Read/Write?

gogirl143 Author

Level 1

9 points

Aug 7, 2009 8:26 PM in response to Király

Worked up the nerve (I guess) - followed the steps, and here's what showed up in the Terminal window:

Last login: Fri Aug 7 22:22:06 on console
new-host-2:~ gervaisemacbeth$ sudo chmod -R +a "sharegroup allow delete,chown,list,search,add_file,\

add subdirectory,delete_child,file_inherit,directoryinherit" \
/Users/Shared/sharefolder

WARNING: Improper use of the sudo command could lead to data loss
or the deletion of important system files. Please double-check your
typing when using sudo. Type "man sudo" for more information.

To proceed, enter your password, or type Ctrl-C to abort.

Password:

*Obviously, I Ctrl-C'd, 'cause I got scared whether or not I had it right...should I have started the "Paste" on a new line (Ret/Ent b4 I paste within Terminal)? Also, when I hit "Preview" for this post it looks like half of the lines of code you indicated looked different (they didn't) - I just Copy/Pasted the entire Terminal window b4 I Ctrl-C'd*
Sorry, I feel like a bit of an idiot, but I've managed to screw up some things pretty good because it "looks" so easy...

Király

Level 6

10,017 points

Aug 7, 2009 10:41 PM in response to gogirl143

Everything was right. The sudo warning message is normal the first time you use it. You panicked when you didn't need to. Just try it again and everything will be okay.

Sharing files with multiple users on single iMac