[Adower]

Im trying to figure out how to hook up two MBP so I can transfer files from one computer to another. Is there any way to use blue tooth, usb, or a prog such as AIM?

[mduell]

If you're both on the same local network, you can use file sharing in OSX.

If you're at different places on the internet you can use apps like FolderShare.

[Adower]

We are going to be using the wireless internet at school. Will that constitute us both being on the same network?

[mduell]

Might, might not, depends how the school's network is set up.

I'd just go with FolderShare... it's easier even if you are on the same network. Just set up the folder(s) to sync and it will automatically sync any files that either of you add/change/delete on either end.

[Simon]

Chances are you'll be on the same local network so try this:
• On both Macs turn on file sharing (System Preferences > Sharing > Personal File Sharing > Start)
• Give both Macs a unique name (you can set it System Preferences > Sharing)
• Turn on AirPort on both Macs and make sure they are connected to the school's wireless network
• In the Finder of MacA chose Go > Connect to Server... and enter afp://MacB.local (afp is the Apple File Sharing Protocol)
• And likewise you can also connect from MacB by entering afp://MacA.local

Then you should be able to authenticate and chose the partition or user home to mount. A possibly simpler and certainly more secure way to transfer files especially if it's across the internet is scp. Open a shell and type 'man scp' to find out more. Basically it copies files across an open ssh session. For example:

scp ~/Documents/foo.bar [email protected]:/Users/MyBuddy/Desktop/

will copy the file foo.bar in my Documents folder to the Desktop of user 'MyBuddy' on another Mac (obviously user 'simon' needs write privileges for MyBuddy's Desktop. scp of course works with all kinds of Unix-based computers, not just Macs. And since it uses ssh the data you transmit is enrcypted.

You can also use AFP across the entire net and just as safely as scp if you tunnel it through ssh. It's a little more involved, but once you know how it works it's very simple. It offers the comfort of AFP sharing with the security of ssh. Let me know if you're interested and I can give you a short guide on how to get it running.

[peeb]

Why not set up an ad-hoc network? Go to your wireless icon, and click Create Network. That will create an ad-hoc network that your friends can connect to. It's fast, easy and temporary. Just what you want for sharing files...

[hookem2oo7]

firewire, ethernet cable from computer to computer...many different options here

[mduell]

Why is "everyone" trying to add so much complexity?

FolderShare is an idiot-proof, easy, secure way to share files between two computers on the internet (it will transfer over the local network if both computers are on the same local network). It's very "Mac-like" and I don't see any functionality the more complicated methods are adding.

[badnewsblair]

Hamachi would work just fine too. Also, if it is a laptop, why not just go and meet them for coffee or whatever and Target Disk mode. If it is larger files you want to transfer it will be worth it.

I think the underlying answer here is there are a ton of way to accomplish this. It just depends on the size of the files and the hardware options you have available to you.

[peeb]

I love target disk mode - it freaks PC owners out that it's so easy!

[Simon]

Originally Posted by badnewsblair 

I think the underlying answer here is there are a ton of way to accomplish this. It just depends on the size of the files and the hardware options you have available to you.

Exactly.

Ideally the OP should get several different methods so that he can chose for himself which one best suits his needs.

[PER3]

Originally Posted by peeb 

Why not set up an ad-hoc network? Go to your wireless icon, and click Create Network. That will create an ad-hoc network that your friends can connect to. It's fast, easy and temporary. Just what you want for sharing files...

Never seems to work for me. What addresses do you use and where do you see your frind's computer? Never appears in Finder > Go > Connect to Server > Browse for me. The only thing that helps is turning on Intenet sharing, but that's kind of missing the point of creating an ad hoc network...

Any clues?

Edit: Got it sorted. Although from a MacBook Pro I couldn't browse for servers (just got three folders, unlike from a PB G4), connecting to nameof other computer.local worked fine.

[analogika]

Originally Posted by mduell 

Why is "everyone" trying to add so much complexity?

FolderShare is an idiot-proof, easy, secure way to share files between two computers on the internet (it will transfer over the local network if both computers are on the same local network). It's very "Mac-like" and I don't see any functionality the more complicated methods are adding.

Because adding extra software to the machine is innately more complex than clicking a couple of checkboxes.

[analogika]

My two cents:

Since the original poster mentioned AIM:

iChat is an AIM client. You've probably already set it up.

If you want to transfer data to your buddies, just drag the file or folder onto their name in the iChat buddy list.

THAT'S IT.

No step 2.

It doesn't matter how large the file is, either.

[Un-Inferior]

we have a winner

[macflick]

So is there a way that you can connect say a MBP and a imac to each other and transfer files?

[peeb]

Yes. Plenty of ways were talked about above. Depending on the iMac - firewire disk target mode, network cable, peer to peer wireless, iChat, folder sharing etc.

[analogika]

Originally Posted by macflick 

So is there a way that you can connect say a MBP and a imac to each other and transfer files?

For you, maybe not.

[romeosc]

Originally Posted by analogika 

Because adding extra software to the machine is innately more complex than clicking a couple of checkboxes.

AND!
November 3, 2005
Microsoft Acquires FolderShare, a File-Synchronization Technology Provider


The Evil Empire will know forever what you are doing!

.... Bill Gates will open back door and erase everything Mac Like!