IT INFRASTRUCTURE AND

NETWORK
TECHNOLOGIES
LESSON 4
 Cross-Platform File Sharing
Strategies: Seamlessly
Connecting Different Devices

MR. JAY O. BENARABA Instructor

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Define cross-platform file sharing and explain its importance in today’s
digital environment.

• Identify the challenges of sharing files across different operating systems,

including compatibility and security concerns.
• Evaluate cloud-based file sharing solutions and discuss their benefits and
limitations for seamless collaboration.

• Explore peer-to-peer and NAS file sharing methods and their advantages
for direct file transfers.

• Apply troubleshooting techniques to resolve connectivity issues between

devices during file sharing.
INTRODUCTION
We start by recognizing the critical
importance of ensuring smooth and
uninterrupted connectivity across devices.

In today’s digital era, where individuals

frequently use multiple devices—such as
smartphones, tablets, laptops, and more—it
has become increasingly necessary to
establish a cohesive and integrated system
that facilitates seamless file sharing. The
ability to effortlessly move data between
these devices is essential for productivity,
convenience, and effective communication,
as our dependence on diverse technology
platforms continues to grow.
CHALLENGES
Sharing files across different
platforms and operating systems can
present challenges.

File compatibility, security concerns,

and access control problems are just
a few of the obstacles that need to
be addressed to ensure effective
cross-platform file sharing.
CHALLENGES
Importance of Seamless File Sharing:

• Essential for accessing documents across devices (e.g., laptop and

smartphone).
• Enables users to work on important files anytime and anywhere.

Challenges of File Compatibility:

• Different operating systems use various file formats.

• Incompatibility can hinder opening and editing (e.g., Windows vs. Mac
documents).
• Cross-platform solutions bridge the gap by ensuring compatibility across
formats.
CHALLENGES
Security Concerns:

Increased sharing of sensitive information necessitates strong security

measures.

Essential protections include:

• File encryption
• Password protection
• Secure transfer protocols
• Robust security features provide peace of mind for users.
CHALLENGES
Security Concerns:

Access Control Issues:

Different users require varying levels of access permissions based on their

roles.

Example scenarios:

• Team leader may need full access to shared folders.

• Team members may require read-only access.

Cross-platform solutions offer granular control over permissions, allowing

administrators to manage user roles effectively.
CLOUD-BASED FILE SHARING SOLUTIONS
Popular Method of Cross-Platform File Sharing:

• Cloud-based solutions (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive).

• Enable users to store and access files from any device with internet
connectivity.
• Provide a secure and convenient way to share files across different
operating systems.
• Facilitate seamless collaboration and synchronization.
CLOUD-BASED FILE SHARING SOLUTIONS
Revolutionizing File Management:

• Cloud-based file sharing has transformed how businesses and individuals

manage files.
• Essential for efficient file sharing in today’s tech-reliant environment.

Benefits include:

• Convenient storage and access.

• Automatic backups.
• Version control.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Cloud-Based
Service:
Storage Capacity:

• Important for businesses dealing with large files or high data volume.
• Choose a service with sufficient storage to avoid frustration and productivity
hindrances.

Ease of Use:

• Services should be intuitive and user-friendly.

• Allows quick uploading, downloading, and sharing of files.
• A complex interface can lead to user frustration; explore different platforms
and read reviews.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Cloud-Based
Service:
Compatibility:

• Must work across various operating systems (e.g., Windows, macOS, iOS,
Android).
• Ensures seamless access and sharing regardless of device.

Security:

• Should be a top priority due to increasing cyber threats and data breaches.
• Look for platforms that offer:
• Robust security features.
• Encryption to protect files from unauthorized access.
• Access control for setting permissions and restricting access to sensitive
files.
How to Connect Two Computers
Together with an Ethernet Cable
HOW TO CONNECT TWO COMPUTERS TOGETHER WITH AN
ETHERNET CABLE

This lesson teaches you how to connect to computers to one another

by using an Ethernet cable.

Once you've connected the computers, you can share files between
them by using both computers' file sharing settings.
Things You Should Know

• Connect the two computers using a crossover ethernet cable. You may also need
a USB - ethernet adapter and/or a USB to USB-C adapter.
• For Windows file sharing, turn on File and Printer sharing in advanced "Network
and Sharing Center" settings. Then, choose a folder and click the "Share" tab.
• For file sharing with a Mac, enable File Sharing in "System Preferences" -->
"Sharing." Then, click the "+" button in the "Shared Folders" section of the
window.
Connecting the Computers

• 1. Determine whether or not your computers have Ethernet ports.

Ethernet ports resemble large, rectangular ports which usually have a three-box
icon next to them. You'll usually find Ethernet ports on one side of your computer's
housing (laptop) or on the back of the tower (desktop).On iMac computers, the
Ethernet port is found on the back of the monitor.
Connecting the Computers

• 2 Buy an Ethernet adapter if necessary.

If your computer doesn't have an Ethernet port, you'll need to buy a USB Ethernet
adapter for your computer. You can find these online.
 Connecting the Computers
• 3 Check to see if you have a crossover Ethernet cable.
While most Ethernet ports support both conventional Ethernet
cables and crossover Ethernet cables, you can avoid potential
errors by using a crossover Ethernet cable. To determine
whether or not you have a crossover cable, view the colored
wires at the end of each side of the cable.
• If the colors are differently ordered on one end, you have a
crossover cable.
• If the colors are the same for both ends from left to right, you
have a conventional cable. You can still use this cable for most
computers, but if you're connecting older computers to each
other, consider buying a crossover cable if you run into issues.
 Connecting the Computers
4 Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into one computer.
• The Ethernet cable's head should fit into the Ethernet port on your computer with
the lever side facing down. If you have to use an Ethernet adapter, plug the USB end
of the adapter into one of your computer's free USB ports.
 Connecting the Computers
5 Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into the other computer.
• The other end of the Ethernet cable should plug into the other computer's available
Ethernet port. Again, if you have to use an Ethernet adapter for the other computer,
plug it in first.
 PART 2 Using File Sharing on Windows
• 1 Open Control Panel.
• Click Start in the bottom-left corner
• of the screen, type in control panel, and
• click Control Panel at the top of the menu.
 PART 2 Using File Sharing on Windows
• 2 Click Network and Internet. It's in the
middle of the Control Panel window skip
this step if you see the phrase "Small icons"
or "Large icons" next to the "View" heading
in the upper-right corner of the window.
 PART 2 Using File Sharing on Windows
• 3 Click Network and Sharing Center.
You'll find this link near the top of the window.
If your Control Panel is using the "Small icons"
or "Large icons" view, you'll find
Network and Sharing Center
on the right side of the page.
.
 PART 2 Using File Sharing on Windows
• 4 Click the Advanced sharing settings link.
It's in the upper-left side of the window.
.
 PART 2 Using File Sharing on Windows
• 5 Check the "Turn on file and printer
sharing“ box. You'll find this box in
the "File and printer sharing" section
of the menu.
.
 PART 2 Using File Sharing on Windows
• 6 Click Save changes. It's at the bottom
of the window. Doing so saves your
changes and enables file sharing on
your PC.
.
 PART 2 Using File Sharing on Windows
• 7 Share a folder. To allow the connected computer
To view and edit the contents of any shared folder,
do the following:
• Open the folder you want to share.
• Click the Share tab.
• Click the Specific people... entry.
• Click the downward-facing arrow in the drop-down
• box, then click Everyone in the resulting
• drop-down menu.
• Click Share, then click Done when prompted.
 PART 2 Using File Sharing on Windows
• Access a shared folder. If you want to view a
shared folder on your PC, you can do so from
within File Explorer:
• Make sure you shared the folder from
your connected PC or Mac computer.
• Open File Explorer.
• Click the other computer's name in the
left-hand sidebar.
• Enter the other computer's password if
prompted.
• Open the shared folder to view its files.