Can You Hook an Apple & a PC to the Same Router?
Apple- and Windows-based computers generally use incompatible file systems for data. However, a router acts only to transfer a wired signal to a wireless signal making it possible to connect to your business network without cables and wires. Both your Mac and Windows machines can access the same router provided you properly configure the Wi-Fi settings on each machine.
Router Configuration Utility
Each router has different configuration options. Most routers provide an online configuration portal that allows you to configure the router settings, which you can access by typing a url into the Web browser of a computer connected to the router -- either hard-wired or wirelessly -- depending on the model of your Wi-Fi router. For example, Linksys routers use the url "http://192.168.2.1.1," with a blank username and "admin" as the password. Consult your router's manufacturer website for the default password if you need to set up your router.
For security, make sure to set up WEP, WPA or WPA2 encryption in the security settings section of the administration control panel. Encryption protects the information sent from your computer to the router and makes it unreadable to those who don't have the correct Wi-Fi password. Both your Mac and Windows computer can use the same type of security configuration. However, use WPA for a greater level of security. Third-parties that intercept data sent to the router only receive garbled data without the proper password.
Connecting to Router
The process for connecting to the router varies between operating systems. On Windows, you can select the network using the wireless network connection icon located in the notification area. Upon selecting the network, Windows prompts you to select whether to enable sharing and provide a password, if necessary. For work situations, enabling sharing on an encrypted network allows you to share printers, files and folders with other computers on the network. On a Mac, you can choose your network by accessing the Network section in System Preferences. As with Windows, you must enter a password if you protected your network with WEP, WPA or WPA2 encryption.
Once you connect your computers to the Wi-Fi router, you can enable file sharing. You can share a printer by connecting it to one of your computers. However, since you have a mixed computing environment, it makes more sense to connect the printer to your Wi-Fi router. Both operating systems can automatically configure printer drivers. On Windows you can select the "Add a Printer" option in the Devices section. On Mac, add a printer using the Print & Scan section in System Preferences. Both systems show a list of available printers and allow you to select the printer you want to add.
File sharing requires you to enable SMB file sharing on your Mac in the "Sharing" section of System Preferences. You must enable the File Sharing option, click "Options..." and then select "Share Files and Folders Using SMB." Provide the user account information to your Windows users to allow access to any shared folders available on your Mac. On Windows, users must use a Mac username and password to access the files. Another option involves connecting an external hard drive to your Wi-Fi router and connect both your Windows and Mac computers to the network drive to use it as a central sharing server.
Information in this article applies to Windows 8 and Mac OS X Mountain Lion. It may vary slightly or significantly with other versions or products.
- Cox: WPA vs WEP: Which One Provides the Best Wireless Security?
- Microsoft Windows: Connect to a Wireless Network in Windows 8 or Windows RT
- Microsoft Windows: Add a Device or PC to a Network
- Microsoft Windows: Set Up a Wireless Router
- Apple Support: OS X Mountain Lion: Set Up a Mac to Share Files With Windows Users
- Microsoft Windows: What You Need to Set Up a Home Network
Avery Martin holds a Bachelor of Music in opera performance and a Bachelor of Arts in East Asian studies. As a professional writer, she has written for Education.com, Samsung and IBM. Martin contributed English translations for a collection of Japanese poems by Misuzu Kaneko. She has worked as an educator in Japan, and she runs a private voice studio out of her home. She writes about education, music and travel.