Share Files Between User Accounts: Windows, Linux, OS X
User Accounts and File Sharing
When multiple user accounts are established on a single computer, the operating system automatically creates dedicated folders for each account.
These individual folders ensure user privacy and organization of personal files.
Sharing Files Between Accounts
Shared folders provide a mechanism for users to exchange files and collaborate, even with separate account profiles.
This functionality enables convenient access to common documents and resources.
Cross-Platform Consistency
The principles of user account management and file sharing are remarkably consistent across major operating systems.
Both Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X employ similar systems for managing folder and file permissions.
These operating systems are all robust platforms designed to support multiple users simultaneously.
Their underlying folder and file permission structures share fundamental similarities, facilitating a consistent user experience.
- The core concept remains the same regardless of the OS.
- Users can define access levels for shared resources.
Windows
Related: Why Every User On Your Computer Should Have Their Own User Account
Within the Windows operating system, the folders associated with the "Public" user are universally accessible to all account holders. These folders are typically located at C:\Users\Public. Placing files within these designated folders grants access to other users, providing a convenient method for sharing media like music and videos among individuals on the same computer.
By default, Windows integrates these folders into each user’s libraries. For instance, a user’s Music library encompasses both their personal music folder, found at C:\Users\NAME\, and the public music folder located at C:\Users\Public\. This integration simplifies the process of locating shared, public files for each user.
Furthermore, making a file publicly accessible is streamlined – simply drag and drop the file from a user-specific folder into the corresponding public folder within the library.
It's important to note that libraries are hidden by default in Windows 8.1. Therefore, users must first unhide them to utilize this functionality.
The Public folders can also serve as a means to share folders across the local network. The option for Public folder sharing is found within the Advanced sharing settings in the Network and Sharing Control Panel.
Alternatively, any folder can be designated for sharing between users. However, this requires modification of folder permissions within Windows. To accomplish this, right-click the desired folder anywhere in the file system and select Properties.
Utilize the options available on the Security tab to adjust the folder’s permissions, thereby granting access to specific user accounts. Administrator privileges are necessary to perform these changes.
Linux
Linux file sharing presents a slightly different approach compared to other operating systems. Unlike typical setups, most Linux distributions don't automatically include a dedicated shared folder accessible to all users.
The Public folder found on Ubuntu is primarily designed for file exchange across a network, not necessarily between local user accounts.
However, Linux offers a robust permissions system that allows you to grant specific user accounts either read-only or read-write access to designated folders. The following instructions are tailored for Ubuntu 14.04, but the process remains largely consistent across various Linux distributions utilizing the GNOME desktop environment and Nautilus file manager.
Granting Folder Access
Begin by identifying the folder you wish to share. Right-click on the folder and select "Properties" from the context menu.
Navigate to the "Permissions" tab within the Properties window. Here, you can modify access rights for different user categories.
Grant the "Others" category the "Create and delete files" permission. This allows other users to both read and modify the contents of the folder.
It's crucial to apply these permissions recursively. Click the "Change Permissions for Enclosed Files" button and then assign "Read and write" as well as "Create and Delete Files" permissions to "Others."
Following these steps, other users on the same computer will gain read and write access to the specified folder. The folder's location will be found under /home/YOURNAME/folder within the Computer application.
To enhance convenience, users can create a symbolic link or bookmark to the shared folder, ensuring quick and easy access whenever needed.
Mac OS X
A dedicated Shared folder is automatically generated by Mac OS X, providing access for all user accounts on the system. This folder facilitates the exchange of files between distinct user profiles.
Its location is /Users/Shared, and it can be accessed through Finder. Simply click Go, then select Computer, and navigate to Macintosh HD > Users > Shared.
Accessing the Shared Folder
Any user account on a Mac can access files placed within this designated folder. This provides a centralized location for collaborative work or shared resources.
This functionality proves particularly beneficial when multiple individuals utilize a single computer, each with their own dedicated user account.
- Consider scenarios where children have restricted user accounts.
- Sharing a music library becomes straightforward.
- A common downloads folder eliminates redundancy.
- A centralized picture archive is easily maintained.
- Videos and documents can be shared without duplication.
By utilizing the Shared folder, users can avoid maintaining multiple copies of the same files, optimizing storage space and ensuring consistency.