How to setup File Sharing on the Mac
We hardly use our DVD player anymore. I now rip all of our DVDs and put all of the files on a 2010 Mac mini that is hooked to our main TV for video playback. I also have MacOS File Sharing turned on so that other devices in our home can access the digital files.
To turn on File Sharing, select System Preferences... under the Apple menu.
In the System Preference window, select Sharing.
In the Sharing window, turn on File Sharing in the Service menu on the left. Next click on the Plus (+) under Shared Folders in the middle and add folders or drives where the files are that you want to share. You can even add external drives.
If you click on the Options button on the right (above Users), you can see the sharing protocols that the Mac uses. AFP is the Apple File Protocol and SMB is the more common sharing protocol used for non-Apple devices.
Other computers and devices can now access the shared folder or drive. Apple has a support document for MacOS High Sierra (10.13) on the more advanced file sharing options. Note, Apple File System (APFS) volumes are not shareable over AFP.
On another Mac, the shared computer will be in the sidebar. Click on the shared computer and choose the shared folder or drive. You may need to enter a username and password if you set one up.
On another Mac, the shared computer will be in the sidebar. Click on the shared computer and choose the shared folder or drive. You may need to enter a username and password if you set one up.
Tip: Setting a Time Machine backup destination is now part of MacOS Sharing in High Sierra (10.13). If you right-click or Control-click on the shared folder or drive, you will get a pop-up where you can select Advanced Options.
From there, you can turn on Share as a Time Machine backup destination and even limit the backups to a certain size so it does not use all of the available storage space.
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Added 2018-05-03 <> ID 18050301
Versions - MacOS High Sierra 10.13
Added 2018-05-03 <> ID 18050301
Versions - MacOS High Sierra 10.13
