How to Transfer Files Between Two Laptops

Set up an FTP server. FTP (File Transfer Protocp – File Transfer Protocol) is a method of transferring files between two computers via the internet. First, you set up the server – the computer containing the file to be transferred – so that other machines can access the server. FTP is the most convenient method when you need constant access between two laptops.

• On Mac, go to System Preferences->Sharing->Services and check “FTP Access”. Click “Start” and wait for the changes to take effect. Operation on each OSX version will be slightly different.
• On Windows, go to Contrp Panel->Programs->Programs and Features->Turn Windows features on or off. Click the plus sign next to the “Internet Information Services” (IIS) box, then check the “FTP Server” dialog box. Click on “OK”.

Install the FTP program on the client computer. This is software that allows you to easily access an FTP server with just an IP address. Popular software: FileZilla, WinSCP, Cyberduck and WebDrive. ^[3]

Access files on the FTP server from FTP software. Now you just need to log in to the FTP server from the client and access files to transfer quickly and securely.

• On Mac, go to Finder->Go->Connect to Server. You are required to provide the server’s IP address. Enter the address and click “Connect”.
• On Windows, open a web browser and type the server’s IP address in the address bar. Go to File->Login As. Enter username and password to login.
• If you’re having trouble finding the server’s IP address, refer to the article Determine your Mac’s IP address or Find your computer’s IP address.
• To learn more about how to transfer files using FTP, refer to the article on how to set up FTP between 2 computers.

Find a compatible storage device. External hard drives or USBs are often formatted to only be used on one operating system (OSX or Windows). Depending on the computer you want to transfer data back and forth, you may need to reformat the device to (FAT32) before proceeding. Using a storage device is one of the most time-consuming methods, but the easiest to implement if you are not well versed in technical methods.

• If the computer recognizes the storage device and you can access files on both computers, continue.
• If you need to reformat your device, you can learn more in the article Format FAT32
• The limitation of this method is the speed, if copying many files, it will take a long time.

Plug the storage device into the server. Check if the device’s free memory is enough to store all the files before copying. It is best to determine the amount of space to use for proper planning.

Transfer files to a storage device. This process is similar to file management on a laptop – you just drag and drop the file, then wait for the file to be transferred to the storage device.

Unplug the storage device and connect to the client. Be sure to unmount properly to avoid damaging the file, and then drag and drop the file to the client desktop or a more appropriate location.

Choose a cloud storage service. Services like Dropbox, Google Drive, etc. provide cloud storage for important data, they also act as a method of transferring data between 2 laptops. You need an account of one of the above services (create a new account and you will be given free storage space). ^[4]

• The limitations of this approach are storage capacity, load time, and cost. However, if you often move small files, this is a great solution.

Transfer files to a cloud service. Depending on the service, you can simply drag and drop the file into your web browser, or you may have to upload the file in a standard manner. Wait for the file to be uploaded to the hosting service.

Access the cloud service account on the client. Download the file you want to your device, and the file transfer is complete!

• Cloud services also provide security through proper file backup or co-editing, you should find out about the service you use first!

Check laptop compatibility. Both laptops need a firewire input and you need a suitable firewire to connect the two.

• This method is suitable when transferring files between 2 Macs or 2 PCs. If you are transferring data between two operating systems, try a different method.

Plug the cord into the firewire port. Firewire ports come in many forms – you should check your firewire and adapter for compatibility with the 2 ports on your computer.

Proceed to access the server from the client. Using the client (the computer receiving the file) and accessing the server (the computer containing the file) Once connected, the server will appear on the desktop or in an external drive location.

Drag and drop files as usual. Now that the 2 computers are directly connected, you can transfer files similar to when managing files on a computer.

Enter your email in the recipient’s address. Emailing yourself is the fastest and easiest way to send 1 or 2 small files to another computer. If sending large files, you should apply one of the methods mentioned above.

Attach files to emails. Each email service (eg gmail, hotmail, yahoo…) has a different attachment size limit. Some services allow you to drag and drop files directly into the email body, while others require clicking “attach” and then accessing the file’s storage location on computer.

Login email on the client computer. You can now download attachments to your device.

You can set up a direct network between 2 computers without an access point.