Although this ebook focuses on file sharing across a network, you can share files among users of the same Mac. In Tiger, not all users are created equally nor are all files meant to be equally accessible. Tiger purposely and appropriately restricts one user from viewing or modifying the contents of folders in another user’s directory.
Users can exchange files on the same machine in one of three ways:
The Shared folder: Located in the
/Usersfolder, the Shared folder is set up so that all users who can log in to the computer may read and write any files in the Shared folder. Users can’t overwrite a file created by another user unless the default permissions on the file are changed by either the file’s owner or an administrator. Using the Shared folder is the easiest method when you have just a few users, or all users need the same access.Public folders: For a little more control, use the Public folder found in each user’s home directory. For instance, let’s say a home iMac has two accounts for two roommates: one for Bob and another for Stephanie. Of course, when Bob logs in to the machine, Stephanie’s files aren’t accessible through the Finder; Bob sees a locked icon on most folders within her home directory. Bob can, however, copy files into Stephanie’s Public folder’s Drop Box folder, and he can copy files out of her Public folder.
Shared Volume: To avoid issues with permissions that crop up when using either the Shared folder or Public folders, you can instead use a separate volume as the repository for shared files, whether that volume is an internal or external fixed hard drive, a removable cartridge, or a second or subsequent disk partition on the boot drive. The beauty of this method is that with one setting, you can tell Mac OS X to ignore permissions entirely for all files and folders on the shared volume. To configure a shared volume so users can have read-and-write access, do the following:
Working in the Finder, select the volume you want to share and choose File > Get Info (Command-I) to open the Info window for the volume.
If the Ownership & Permissions section is closed, click its expansion triangle to display the volume’s permissions.
Select the Ignore Ownership on This Volume checkbox.
Mac OS X now ignores permissions and ownership for all files placed on the volume.
Tip
For advice and steps relating to sharing iPhoto photos or iTunes music among users on the same Macintosh, see Share Digital Media Files, later in this ebook.
For a detailed explanation of how to set up Shared, Public, and Drop Box folders, and other tips on sharing files among users on the same machine, consult Kirk McElhearn’s Take Control of Users & Accounts in Tiger.