This article shows you how to connect two computers together using an Ethernet network cable. Once the connection is established, you will be able to share files and folders between the two machines using the operating system's sharing settings.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Connecting Computers
Step 1. Determine whether the two computers you want to connect to each other have an Ethernet (or RJ-45) network port
The Ethernet port has a square shape and usually has an icon showing several small squares connected to a central horizontal line. Typically, it is placed on either side of the computer (in the case of a laptop) or on the back of the case (in the case of a desktop).
If you are using an iMac, the Ethernet port is located on the back of the monitor
Step 2. Purchase an Ethernet Network Adapter if needed
If one of your computers (or both) doesn't have an Ethernet port, you can work around this by purchasing a USB to Ethernet adapter. You can buy it directly online (on sites like Amazon) or in any computer and electronics store.
If you are using a Mac, make sure it has USB ports. In case you only have USB-C ports (they have a tapered rectangular shape with rounded sides), you'll need to purchase a USB-C to Ethernet or USB to USB-C adapter
Step 3. Check if you have a crossover (or crossover) Ethernet cable
Although modern Ethernet ports support both normal and crossover network cables, using the latter will prevent errors from occurring during data transfer. To determine if the Ethernet cable in your possession is crossover or normal, check the sequence of colored cables that are visible through the two connectors at the ends:
- If the sequences of the small colored cables of the two connectors are different, it means that you are holding a crossover Ethernet cable.
- If the sequences of the small colored cables of the two connectors are the same, it means that you have a normal Ethernet cable. If you are trying to connect two modern computers together, you can use this type of network cable without any problems. However, in the case of older machines, you will need to use a crossover Ethernet cable.
Step 4. Connect one end of the network cable to a computer's RJ-45 port
The connector should fit inside the network port with the release tab facing down.
If you had to purchase a USB Ethernet adapter, plug it into a free USB port on your computer
Step 5. Now connect the other end of the network cable to the second computer's Ethernet port
Again the connector should fit inside the network port with the release tab facing down.
If you need to use an Ethernet network adapter, connect it to your computer first and then plug the cable into the RJ-45 port on the adapter
Part 2 of 3: Enable File Sharing in Windows
Step 1. Open the "Control Panel"
Access the menu Start clicking the icon
located in the lower left corner of the desktop, type the keywords control panel, then click the icon Control Panel appeared at the top of the menu.
Step 2. Select the Network and Internet category
It is visible in the center of the "Control Panel".
If you are using "Small Icons" or "Large Icons" view mode, skip this step
Step 3. Click the Network and Sharing Center icon
It is located at the top of the page.
If you are using the "Small Icons" or "Large Icons" view of the "Control Panel", click the icon network and sharing center located on the right of the window.
Step 4. Select the Change advanced sharing settings link
It is located in the upper left of the window.
Step 5. Select the "Turn on file and printer sharing" radio button
It is located within the "File and Printer Sharing" section of the page.
Step 6. Press the Save Changes button
It is placed at the bottom of the page. This will enable the file sharing functionality of your computer.
Step 7. Share a folder
To allow the connected computer to view and edit the contents of a folder (or folders) on the disk, follow these instructions:
- Access the folder you want to share;
- Select the tab Share;
- Select the item Specific users …;
- Click the down arrow icon to the right of the text field where the cursor is, then choose the option All;
- Push the button Share, then select the option end when required.
Step 8. Access the shared folder
To access the folder you just shared using the other computer, follow these instructions:
- Make sure you have shared the folder on the computer where it is stored (Windows or Mac);
-
Open the window File Explorer clicking the icon
File_Explorer_Icon ;
- Select the name of the computer connected to the one in use, visible in the left sidebar of the "File Explorer" window;
- Type the login password of the target computer, if requested;
- Open the shared folder to view the data it contains.
Part 3 of 3: Enable File Sharing on Mac
Step 1. Enter the "Apple" menu by clicking the icon
It features the Apple logo and is located in the upper left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
Step 2. Choose the System Preferences… item
It is one of the options present in the drop-down menu that appeared. The "System Preferences" dialog box will appear.
Step 3. Click the Sharing icon
It is listed within the "System Preferences" window. The dialog box of the same name will be displayed.
Step 4. Select the "File Sharing" checkbox
It is located inside the left pane of the "Sharing" window.
Step 5. Change the access permissions of the "Everyone" group
Click the icon to the right of the "All" item, then choose the option Reading and writing from the menu that will appear. This way, the computer connected to the Mac will be able to view and edit the contents of any shared folder.
Step 6. Share a folder
To share a folder on Mac follow these simple instructions:
- Push the button ＋ placed under the "Shared folders" box of the "Sharing" window;
- Locate the folder to share;
- Select the folder with a single mouse click;
- Push the button add to place it in the shared folder list.
Step 7. Access the shared folder using the other computer
To perform this step on a Mac, follow these instructions:
- Make sure you have shared the folder on the computer where it is stored (Windows or Mac);
-
Open the window of Finder clicking the icon
Macfinder2 ;
- Select the name of the computer connected to the one in use, visible in the left sidebar of the Finder window;
- Type the login password of the target computer if requested;
- Open the shared folder to view the data it contains.
