Bonjour!

[regre7]

I'm getting close to buying a MBP, and I've already got a wireless network set up at home. I've read a bit about Bonjour, but I'd like to hear from actual users about what it's useful for. I'm mostly interested in file sharing with a Windows machine, but I'd also like to know about printer sharing.

Thanks.

 

[realityisterror]

To be honest, Bonjour for Windows hasn't actually done anything for me...

Bonjour is great in that you can chat with people on your network easily, you can connect two computers in a network and they immediately recognize each other, you don't need to configure your printer when you share it...
But none of that has truly worked for me in Windows. Sometimes Windows devices show up in my "Network" panel, sometimes I have to connect directly with their internal IP address. Printer sharing (Mac --> PC --> Printer) still hasn't worked predictably, so I just transfer the file and print from that computer...

In a nutshell, ultimately, everything will work, though it'll take more work and headache (though not necessarily a lot) to get Windows and Mac to cooperate.

 

[regre7]

Is it really true that if two AirPort-equipped Macs (let's say a MBP and a MB) are within range, they'll be able to network without a base station?

 

[Some_Big_Spoon]

The ONLY thing Bonjour for windows (Rendezvous since Bonjour is stupid) has done for me is windows printing, both via shared printing and Airport Express. Otherwise, it seems like it's a bastard child beta program waiting for something more.

To be honest, Bonjour for Windows hasn't actually done anything for me...

Bonjour is great in that you can chat with people on your network easily, you can connect two computers in a network and they immediately recognize each other, you don't need to configure your printer when you share it...
But none of that has truly worked for me in Windows. Sometimes Windows devices show up in my "Network" panel, sometimes I have to connect directly with their internal IP address. Printer sharing (Mac --> PC --> Printer) still hasn't worked predictably, so I just transfer the file and print from that computer...

In a nutshell, ultimately, everything will work, though it'll take more work and headache (though not necessarily a lot) to get Windows and Mac to cooperate.

 

[realityisterror]

Yup, I've used it on multiple occasions to share files with buddies...

On one computer you'll need to "Create Network..." from the Airport menu. Enter a name and preferably a password.
On the other, join the network from the Airport menu. Enter password if you need to.

Assuming File Sharing is enabled in System Preferences for both, they'll both see each other in the Network pane of the Finder.

 

[superbovine]

Is it really true that if two AirPort-equipped Macs (let's say a MBP and a MB) are within range, they'll be able to network without a base station?

yes, but bonjour has nothing to do with that part.

 

[gekko513]

Is it really true that if two AirPort-equipped Macs (let's say a MBP and a MB) are within range, they'll be able to network without a base station?

Yes, it's very easy to set up. You only need one Mac, though. The others can be PCs or Macs.

 

[MisterMe]

Is it really true that if two AirPort-equipped Macs (let's say a MBP and a MB) are within range, they'll be able to network without a base station?

Yes. You can use an AirPort-equipped Mac as a wireless base station.

 

[regre7]

That's awesome! I'd never dreamed of being able to do that. Well...

 

[superbovine]

The ONLY thing Bonjour (Rendezvous since Bonjour is stupid) has done for me is windows printing, both via shared printing and Airport Express. Otherwise, it seems like it's a bastard child beta program waiting for something more.

agreed.

 

[someguy]

A necessity (for my anyways) when printing from networked Mac and Windows machines to a USB printer plugged into AirPort Express. Makes setting up the printer on both OS's (typically Windows XP and Mac OS X Tiger) a breeze.

 

[realityisterror]

yes, but bonjour has nothing to do with that part.

Bonjour doesn't play in with connecting the two machines, but it makes it easier to access the other's files once you are connected. I've tried sharing a video file with a Windows PC using the same method, and we couldn't connect. I'm sure it's possible if you could somehow figure out what IP addresses the computers were given, and if you know how to, please let me know. But it's not as easy as looking in Network and double-clicking "Super Bovine's Computer".

Yes, it's very easy to set up. You only need one Mac, though. The others can be PCs or Macs.

Can you share files and/or Internet access between a Mac and a PC when you set up your network in that way? I've only been able to do Mac/Mac sharing...

 

[gekko513]

I've done PC-Mac file sharing like this without any problems, but I've had some troubles sharing the internet connection from a Mac to a PC through wireless. Mac-Mac was never a problem in either case.

 

[superbovine]

Bonjour doesn't play in with connecting the two machines, but it makes it easier to access the other's files once you are connected. I've tried sharing a video file with a Windows PC using the same method, and we couldn't connect. I'm sure it's possible if you could somehow figure out what IP addresses the computers were given, and if you know how to, please let me know. But it's not as easy as looking in Network and double-clicking "Super Bovine's Computer".



Can you share files and/or Internet access between a Mac and a PC when you set up your network in that way? I've only been able to do Mac/Mac sharing...

ip address windows: start->run->cmd (click ok)->ipconfig <enter>
ip address mac-> preferences->network->select the card->tcp/ip tab
or
terminal->ifconfig

You can share files from mac and pc.
http://guides.macrumors.com/Networking_Windows_with_Mac_OS_X