Chapter 7 Connecting to a Network and the Internet Part 2

7.7 Using AirDrop to Share Files

     The AirDrop feature enables you to share files easily and instantly with nearby Macs. AirDrop automatically locates other AirDrop-capable Macs running OS X Lion or later versions that have Wi-Fi on, that are in range of your MacBook Air, and whose users have their AirDrop folder selected. Your AirDrop folder displays an icon for each Mac using AirDrop; to share files with the person  using that Mac, you simply drop the file on that Mac’s icon. Likewise, people can share files with you by dropping them on your MacBook Air’s icon on their Macs.

7.8 Share Files on a Local Network

     Just like services you access over the Internet, you can provide services over a local network. These include sharing files, printers, and an Internet connection; and iTunes sharing and streaming. Any computers that connect to the network, whether they use Ethernet or Wi-Fi, can access any of the services you make available. File sharing is one of the most useful local network services because you can easily share resources among multiple computers. You can configure your MacBook Air to share files with others, and you can access files being shared with you.

     When you connect to a local network, your MacBook Air automatically identifies resources on the  network that are sharing files. It displays these resources in the Shared section of the Sidebar so that you can access them easily. When you connect to a sharing resource, what you can do with the content of that resource is determined by the permissions that you have been granted for it. For example, if you have Read & Write access, you can use a shared folder just like one you created. If you have Read Only access, you can see its contents, but you cannot change those contents.

7.9 Share Screens on a Local Network

     With screen sharing, you can control another Mac on your local network just as if you were sitting in front of it. For example, you can share the screen of a different Mac on your network and run an application on that Mac as if it were installed on your MacBook Air. This is also useful for helping other users on your network because you can take control of the other computer to solve problems. Like file sharing, you must configure screen sharing permissions on each computer to determine who can access this feature.

7.10 Troubleshoot an Internet Connection

     You can troubleshoot your Internet connection if you have problems with it. If an error message appears, determine if the problem is a network issue or if it is related just to one computer by trying the same action on a different computer on the same network.