NCPublicSchools.org>About NCDPI>Agency Web Sites>Accountability Services >Testing Section>Computer Skills>Handbooks>File Transfers

Transferring Files
Between Windows & Macintosh
Computer Platforms

Electronic files provided here for purposes of answering performance sample items in the Student Handbooks can be transferred between Windows and Macintosh platforms. Of course, it is easier if you can download files to the matching platform. This document provides general guidance on most likely used methods to move files from one platform to another. It is not an exhaustive reference on all methods possible.

Windows to Macintosh

• Network Method - You may be able to move files between platforms without using diskettes if the computer you are using to download Macintosh files is on a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN) and the network is accessible to a Macintosh (or many Macintoshes). If you don't know if this is the case and you can't find out, move onto the Sneakernet Method detailed below. If you do know that both Windows computers and Macintosh computers have access to the same network and can share files, then you can use this method. Just save the file to the shared space, then access the file from a Macintosh. The file(s) can reside either in the shared network space or on the Macintosh's local hard drive.
• Sneakernet Method - Save the file (or files) to a 3.5" diskette formatted to work on a Windows computer.
  • Newer Macs - Take this diskette to a Macintosh that has a matching size drive. Newer Macs will display the diskette on the screen (called the desktop) after inserting into the drive. Copy the files to a Macintosh drive.
  • Older Macs - Older Macs may need to use a helper program called Apple File Exchange. Locate this program and launch it prior to inserting the diskette into the drive. Use Apple File Exchange to move a copy of the file(s) to the Macintosh drive.
• Stand-Alone iMacs - iMacs are designed to be networked and have a built-in network card and modem to facilitate connectivity. If a LAN or WAN is not available, iMac users can use the modem to connect to a dial-up Internet Service Provider (ISP) which would permit them direct network access to these files. However, if neither of these options are available, then special Sneakernet methods can be employed for the Stand-Alone iMac.
  • SuperDrive - A SuperDrive is a 3.5" drive which will read a high-density diskette. The SuperDrive plugs into the iMacs Universal Serial Bus (USB) located next to the keyboard port. Move the files to the iMac using the sneakernet method above for Newer Macs.
  • CD-R - If you had (or purchased) a CD Recorder (CD-R) for your Windows computer you could perform a sneakernet method with a CD. Typically the CD-R for your Windows computer will come with software to enable creation of a CD that your iMac will read. Get the files to your Windows computer with the CD-R, burn the files onto a CD-R, and use the CD-R in your iMac CD drive. You can use this strategy for any Macintosh with a CD drive.
• Open the file(s) using a Macintosh to confirm that the file transfer worked correctly. If there are file conversion messages displayed by your computer, then you did not download the correct files.

Macintosh to Windows

• Network Method - You may be able to move files between platforms without using diskettes if the computer you are using to download Windows files is on a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN) and the network is accessible to a Windows computer (or many Windows computers). If you don't know if this is the case and you can't find out, move onto the Sneakernet Method detailed below. If you do know that both Windows computers and Macintosh computers have access to the same network and can share files, then you can use this method. Just save the file to the shared space, then access the file from a Windows computer to confirm that the file transfer worked correctly. The file(s) can reside either in the shared network space or on the Windows computer local hard drive.
• Sneakernet Method - This method can only be performed on a Macintosh with a 3.5" diskette drive (iMacs without a SuperDrive will not be able to do this).
  1. Make or get a 3.5" diskette formatted to work in a Windows computer. You can format a diskette this way on a Macintosh by choosing the Special>Erase Disk menu and specifying the DOS or Windows format type.
  2. On the connected Macintosh, save the file(s) to this diskette.
  3. Take this diskette to a Windows computer and copy the file(s) to the local hard drive.
• Open the file(s) using a Windows computer to confirm that the file transfer worked correctly. If there are file conversion messages displayed by your computer, then you did not download the correct files.

Copyright and Legal Notices