Q: Networking two 2016 iMacs for file sharing
Hi all.
The organisation I work for has decided to replace their one iMac (used for design and print work) with two new 27" 2016 models.
The task of figuring out how to network these together falls to me, but my only experience of networking Macs years ago involved a simple crossover Ethernet cable (I've been a lone operator), so please forgive my ignorance. Any help welcome!
Currently, the existing late 2010 imac is connected to the organisation's network for printing, internet and some minor file access. However, all of the work files are stored locally on the Mac and backed up using both Time Machine and Silverfast onto a partitioned external HDD.
Both new Macs will need to share the same files and storage, but I think can have independent USB-connected backup drives for Time Machine. Both machines will connect via Ethernet cables to an office router, which itself connects to the organisational network.
My question...
How to best (and/or cheapest) connect the two machines so they can both access the same archived and current files, work on them, and then save them back to the single location?
Things have moved on, so there's probably a solution involving wifi or something. Is there an elegant way to share a simple external hard drive? Or will they be able to use file sharing?
I really appreciate any advice and suggestions. Got to figure this out as soon as possible for a budget proposal!
Thanks!
iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8)
Posted on Aug 26, 2016 3:39 PM
If both Macs are already connected to the same network, then you basically have everything you need to share files between them. It would simply be configuring each as a file share.
On each Mac:
- System Preferences > Sharing > File Sharing
- Select the folder or folders that you want to share and who you want to share them with.
ref: How to connect with File Sharing on your Mac - Apple Support
Posted on Aug 26, 2016 4:04 PM
