Macintosh OS X

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Once you have finished connecting the basic components of your computer network, it is important to take some time to configure your workstation. This tutorial gives instructions on how to configure a Macintosh OS X operating system for both a home network (using a DHCP system) and a larger business network (using a static system). Many of the same steps can be taken to configure previous versions of the Macintosh OS.

Configuring a DHCP System

A Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) network requires the least amount of manual configuration, and is therefore the best option for small home networks. DHCP is a protocol that allows a computer to join an IP-based network without the need for it to have a pre-configured IP address. DHCP automatically assigns unique IP addresses to devices, and releases and renews these addresses as devices leave and re-join the network. Using DHCP on a network means that system administrators do not need to configure these parameters individually for each device joining the network.

Most computers have a working DHCP server installed in its cable/DSL routers. Follow these steps to configure your DHCP system for a Macintosh OS X network:

  1. Click the Apple in the upper-left of the screen.
  2. Click System Preferences. A window will open, showing a list of the Preference Panes that you can configure.
  3. Click the Network panel. A window similar to the one shown below will open. If you do not see this panel, it means that you do not have access, and you will need to speak to your network administrator.
    Network Preference Pane
  4. In the Show field, select how you want to connect to your Internet network from the options provided: Ethernet or Airport. Airport is Apple's term for wireless. If you have questions about which method to choose, you should return to the Transmission Mediums section of this workshop.
  5. Select TCP/IP.
  6. In the Configure IP field, select Using DHCP.
  7. Click Apply.

Configuring a Static System

Static networks are typically used by businesses and schools. In a DHCP network, every time a computer restarts it requests a new IP address, which uses up a significant amount of the network's bandwidth. As a result, the network slows down when operating a large amount of computers. A static network allows the router to spend less time setting up the network, which becomes more important for larger networks.

To statically configure your Macintosh OS X network, follow these steps:

  1. Click the Apple in the upper-left of the screen.
  2. Click System Preferences. A window will open, showing a list of the Preference Panes that you can configure.
  3. Click the Network panel. A window similar to the one shown below will open. If you do not see this panel, it means that you do not have access, and you will need to speak to your Network Administrator.
    Network Preference Pane
  4. Select how you want to connect to your Internet network from the options provided: Ethernet or Airport (Apple's term for wireless). If you have questions about which method to choose, you should return to the Transmission Mediums section of this workshop.
  5. Select the TCP/IP tab.
  6. In the IP address field, enter either the IP number supplied by your Internet Service Provider, or enter your private network IP address. If you are entering a private network IP address, it should be a set of 4 numbers separated by periods. The first two numbers should be 192 and 168 (these are reserved for private networks). The third number can be anything from 1 to 255, but you must keep it consistent between machines. The fourth number will also be between 1 and 255, but will be different from machine to machine.
  7. In the Subnet mask field, enter 255.255.255.0 (it should automatically default to this number).
  8. You will only need to enter the IP address for your router in the Router field if you have WAN access. Most gateways will have a default router address of 192.168.1.1. For more information on what your router's default IP address is, consult your device documentation.
  9. Click Apply.

Sharing Files between Computers

To share files between computers, follow these steps:

  1. Click the Apple in the upper-left of the screen.
  2. Click System Preferences. A window will open, showing a list of the Preference Panes that you can configure.
  3. Click Sharing. A window will open displaying your computer’s name in the first two boxes. Make sure that both boxes have the same value.
  4. Check the boxes for the types of sharing services you want to activate. The services should automatically start. If they do not, click Start. Although Macintosh OS X will only allow you to share files in your public directory, you can download additions that will allow you to share any directory. A good sharing utility, Share Points, can be found at www.versiontracker.com
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