How to Find Servers on My Computer

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Finding a server from a personal computer is an essential way to access another computer's files, share information or occasionally access the Internet. Newer operating systems have streamlined this process, making it much easier than in earlier years. It should not require too much technical wizardry, although some information may need to be obtained from a network administrator.

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On a Mac (OS X)

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Step 1

Go to the desktop and click on the "Go" menu in the toolbar. Scroll down to "Connect to Server."

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Step 2

Click "Browse" to bring up a window that displays the connected computers.

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Step 3

Enter the server address if you know it (or if the server isn't showing up in the window). Obtain the server's IP address from the server administrator.

On a PC (Vista)

Step 1

Click on the arrow in the task bar to reveal an expanded menu. Right-click on the menu and choose "Network Preferences."

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Step 2

Click "Map Entire Network" in the bottom corner.

Step 3

Identify the servers on the map. They generally will be in between your PC and the Internet (picture of a globe).

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