How to Connect Two Mac Computers
By Jack Gerard
When most people think of computer networking, perhaps they envision networks created using Windows-based PC's. Though there are a number of differences between Mac computers and PC's, the method used to connect two Mac computers in a simple network is virtually identical to the method used to connect PCs. Creating a simple network between two Macs is easy and should only take a few minutes; there are two different methods that you can use, depending on whether you wish to have a network hub between the Macs.
Hub or Router Connection
Plug in the network hub or router that you will be using. If you will be using a router to provide Internet access to the Macs, go ahead and connect the Ethernet cable from your modem to the router.
Plug both of your Ethernet cables into the router or hub. Run the cables to the location of the two Mac computers.
Plug the Ethernet cables into the Ethernet ports on each Mac.
Boot up the Macs and activate file sharing or other network features according to how you want each computer to share and access files on the network. You can activate file sharing by selecting the "System Preferences" item from the Apple menu, then selecting "View" and "Sharing." From the "Sharing" window you can specify the folders that you want to share as well as user access restrictions.
Direct Connection
Plug the Ethernet crossover cable into the Ethernet ports on your Mac computers.
Boot up the Macs so that they can recognize the network link between them.
Open the "Sharing" menu and set up file sharing as needed.
References
Writer Bio
Born in West Virginia, Jack Gerard now lives in Kentucky. A writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience, he has written both articles and poetry for publication in magazines and online. A former nationally ranked sport fencer, Gerard also spent several years as a fencing coach and trainer.