Two Macs, One Goal

[pauljbax]

I have had a 2011 MBP since it was first released in April of that year and just love it to death. I decided to take the plunge and buy a MacBook Air when I saw the 11.6 was being discontinued and the 8G ram models were flying off the shelves so that is what I bought. A piece of history and a mini MBP all in one.

I want to use the mini primarily to use iBook Author for my book projects and RapidWeaver for website creation.

However, I have to admit I am newbie as far as the whole networking, server, share files, etc. game.

I do own OS Server however I am not sure how to use it exactly.

Basically I just want to use my Air to access my MBP for the files it has on it.

Any suggestions on the easiest and safest route to do this with few complications and few steps to achieve?
[doublepost=1480545752][/doublepost]Is iCloud the simpler route?

 

[kschendel]

I should think that simply enabling File Sharing (System Preferences, Sharing) on the MBP would do it. On the Air, Finder->Go->Connect to Server, and the MBP files show up in the Air's Finder. You can share all or parts, and you can require a username/password or just allow anyone to access.

There's also AirDrop which might be even easier if you are hooked up with WiFi. Our home uses wired internet for all of the Mac's so I don't know anything about using AirDrop for files.

 

[Zazoh]

@kschendel has it ...

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204445

Airdrop will work, but more cumbersome, unless you just need to move a handful of files.

 

[pauljbax]

I don't think the 2011 supports AirDrop.

 

[Intell]

It does, but you'd have to use the older 10.7 era version that isn't compatible with iOS devices.

 

[pauljbax]

I should think that simply enabling File Sharing (System Preferences, Sharing) on the MBP would do it. On the Air, Finder->Go->Connect to Server, and the MBP files show up in the Air's Finder. You can share all or parts, and you can require a username/password or just allow anyone to access.

There's also AirDrop which might be even easier if you are hooked up with WiFi. Our home uses wired internet for all of the Mac's so I don't know anything about using AirDrop for files.

So, if i use the sharing that you mention, I could leave the MBP home and access all the files from WORK via my Air via wifi?

 

[kschendel]

Mmm, probably not. Unless you work out of a home office, your home and office networks are going to be isolated from one another. If you need to share across networks like that, your best bet is something like iCloud where you upload the file from one machine onto an internet site, then download it onto the other machine somewhere else.

(By "isolated" I'm saying that there wouldn't normally be any globally available access from one sub-network into another. That's normally desirable; you don't normally want outsiders reaching into your home network, or your office network, and mucking around. Setting things up to be able to do that safely is a lot of work and expense, so using a globally available intermediary like iCloud is much much simpler.)

 

[hobowankenobi]

So, if i use the sharing that you mention, I could leave the MBP home and access all the files from WORK via my Air via wifi?

While possible, the setup is cumbersome, and varies quite a bit by router.

Much easier way: Use a cloud based file sync service, such as DropBox. Yes, they cost money (based on amount of data stored), but you can get your files anywhere, anytime, with only a browser if need be, or on your phone. There are tons of options:

DropBox
OneDrive
Google Drive
Box

And more. Most give you a 2 to5 GB of space for free to use. Their goal is you love it so much, you pay for more space.

I have been testing one that I like so far, and claims everything is encrypted (so nothing is accessible to anybody but you even if their servers are hacked, or a gov drops a search warrant on them) is: Mega. 50GB of free space, and a great Mac and iOS client for easy use. No issues in the last 6 months of use.

Sync.com looks to have a similar feature set as Mega, but a better, more informative site, and with 5 GB of space free.

You can also setup a NAS from somebody like Synolgy as a dedicated file server on your network, as they have some great tools to share from your house.....to make your own cloud server. More cost up front, buy you own it, and no costs down the road. But, even if it may be the easiest out there, still more work, risk of issues, and management (by you) than Mega or a similar service.

 

[Zazoh]

So, if i use the sharing that you mention, I could leave the MBP home and access all the files from WORK via my Air via wifi?

Sounds like you want this ...
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204618

 

[pauljbax]

Very interesting. I will give it a whirl. Thanks Z!
[doublepost=1480785465][/doublepost]I do have a DROPBOX account, however, I also have an iCloud account and pay extra for space. I don't see anyone recommending iCloud which basically does the same thing. Any reasons why?

 

[Zazoh]

I don't see anyone recommending iCloud which basically does the same thing. Any reasons why?

We're all anarchist ... for me, I don't sync cloud, I use it for things I need but not all the time, I keep active files on my local devices and read only in the cloud. Just the workflow I've found worked for me.

 

[hobowankenobi]

I don't use iCloud simply because it was too expensive back in the day, and I needed to share with other users, so DropBox was the way to go. So....habit more than anything, staying away from iCloud. I read it is much improved, and had forgotten about then Back To My Mac feature. Worth a shot since you are already using iCloud.

 

[pauljbax]

http://www.apple.com/icloud/icloud-drive/ - looks like the simplest solution. I just hate giving that sort of control to Apple.