The instructions I found on Apple’s support pages were missing a few points, so I decided to write it myself. This tutorial will show you how to read and write files stored in your Mac (running OSX 10.5 Leopard) Public Folder from your PC (running Windows XP SP3) on the same network.

Note: This tutorial will show you how to do it via FTP instead of SMB, because the latter does not work for me for some reason.

1. On your Mac, open System preferences. Click on Sharing.

2. On the list of services, check ‘File Sharing’. Click on Options, and check “Share Files and Folders via FTP. Also, check your account in the account box. Click Done.

3. Back to the Sharing Window, ensure that it says “FTP Access: On” next to a green light. Take note of the address stated below. It will normally look like “192.168.0.X”

4. Now turn on your PC and make sure its on the same network as your Mac. If you do not know what that means, just make sure that both your PC and Mac are connected to the same router/modem/switch, even if one of your computers connect via wireless.

5. Open My Computer. On the Address bar, type “ftp://192.168.0.X” (The same address you noted on the Sharing window).

6. You might encounter an error message. Ignore it. With your blank window and the correct address on the address bar, right click on the blank space and choose “Login As…”

7. Type your Mac admin user name and password, with “Log on anonymously” unchecked.

8. You can now view all your files on your Mac from your PC!

If you want to share only the files on your Public Folder to a guest, then go back to the Sharing window and add a user. You can set a username and password there. Enjoy!

The growing giant that is Apple has launched a new line of laptops. I own a Macbook myself and I must say that although I’m quite happy with it, the new version looks pretty enticing. Let’s stack them up against each other and Dell’s counterpart of the same specs.

My Macbook (bought January 2007 for USD999 w/ student discount)
Mac OSX 10.4 Tiger
1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM (bought separately for USD89)
60GB HDD
Graphics: Intel GM 950 64MB VRAM
13.3″ screen

The New Macbook (launched 10/14/2008 priced at USD1299 w/o discount)
Mac OSX 10.5 Leopard
2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2GB 1066MHz DDR3 Memory
160GB HDD
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics
13.3″ screen

Dell Inspiron 13 (currently priced at USD649)
Windows Vista Home Premium
1.86Mhz Pentium Dual Core
1GB DDR2 RAM
160GB HDD
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
13.3″ screen

To summarize the specs, Dell’s Inspiron 13 easily beats Apple in the price combat; add $100 to it and you get even better specs.

As for my Macbook, it is only lacking in a good graphics card and HDD space. What about the operating system? To tell you the truth, I really like OSX. If Leopard has not been made available yet, I’m completely satisfied and content with Tiger.

So what is exactly that you are paying for if you buy the new Macbook? Aside from Leopard, which is currently the undisputed champion in the OS world (in terms of functionality), you have an array of new features.

An Aluminum body enclosure
LED Backlit display
Advanced NVIDIA graphics
New glass trackpad
Environmentally friendly aspects
And lets not forget: an awesome design

Perhaps I have missed out some other brand new features, but these are the highlights. It seems to me that you are forking out cash for bells and whistles that you can certainly live without. As for putting up with the bloated Windows Vista if you buy a Dell, there is a remedy.

So what is my final verdict? If you currently own a Macbook, don’t by the new one unless yours is really old (think OSX 10.2 or 10.3). If you live in a shoebox and don’t have a laptop yet, get the Dell. If you light cigars with dollar bills, then you’ll be fine with the latest lowest-end Macbook Pro for USD1999 as your only computer.

Additional note: I don’t care who you are, I recommend you try a Mac. Its operating system alone is enough to turn the other cheek. The learning curve is not as steep as many would think. Don’t take my word for it, Google reviews of Vista and Leopard.