A network drive, also known as a NAS (network attached storage) drive, is a storage device that connects to a home or office network instead of your computer. Some of the advantages of this are obvious: for example, you can get access files from a smartphone, tablet, or computer without having to plug the drive in.
Other, perhaps less obvious, positives of NAS include things like automated backups and the ability to mirror data on two drives. In other words, NAS offers a flexible and protected way to manage Mac storage that’s far beyond that of standard external hard drives. Read along to learn how to map a network drive and avoid some common NAS mistakes.
What is a network drive used for?
Whether it’s populated or diskless, has one bay or more than five, a network drive is typically used as an alternative to cloud storage. It may be easy to drag and drop files to something like Google Drive or Dropbox, but just a bit of drive mapping can make using a network drive a fantastic cloud alternative. Motu 8pre driver mac download.
Some of network drive’s key advantages include:
If your hard drive icon doesn’t appear there, go to Go Computer, then click the hard drive icon under Devices. Click the File menu, and select Get Info, or press Comand-I on your keyboard. With a Mac mini, the two standard configurations come with a 128GB or 256GB SSD, which you use to storage macOS. Then you attach a high-capacity external drive (SSD, hybrid, or even a fast hard.
- Better control over your files
- More security features than cloud services
- Flexibility without compromising on privacy
- Being used by multiple users across multiple devices
Map network drive on macOS (one-time)
Nowadays, most NAS devices are seriously easy to map. Let’s say that you’ve been working on a document in your home office but have just remembered a key fact that you want to include. Time to make a quick edit from your wife’s laptop before you forget about it!
Network drive access can be obtained in three simple steps, provided you don’t mind having to repeat those steps if the connection drops, you restart your Mac, or the device is disconnected:
- In Finder, either hit Command+K to bring up “Connect to Server” or click Go > Connect to Server
- Enter the path of the network drive you’re trying to map (e.g. smb://192.168.1.300/shared/Files) and click Connect
- Enter your login details and password then click OK to mount the network drive
You can now access the relevant drive either via your desktop or the sidebar in Finder windows.
Map network drive on macOS (remount after reboot)
Maybe you have a server in your office with a connected network drive and want all your employees to be able to connect to it so they can collaborate on shared documents. If you want to keep a Mac connected to a network drive, even after restarting, the easiest way to do this is to follow the three steps above then add these:
- Hit the Apple menu, then System Preferences > Users & Groups
- From here, select Login Items and click + to add a new item
- Find your network drive and click Add, then close the window
Now, your network drive will be mapped and automatically remounted when you reboot your Mac. Network drives won’t, however, connect automatically if you’re using a different WiFi network.
Make a network drive accessible from Mac desktop
Depending on your settings, mounted drives may not always appear on your desktop. That’s not necessarily a problem if you don’t mind only being able to see connected servers in Finder window sidebars and open/save dialogues.
If, however, you want your NAS device to always be just one double-click away (in the same way that most people have Macintosh HD as a visible item on their desktop) just follow these steps: H1z1 for mac.
- Open Finder > Preferences or click Command + to open Finder Preferences
- Click the General tab, then tick the box next to Connected servers
- Close Finder Preferences
Remount a mapped network drive with one click
Managing, or working across, multiple departments that each have their own network drive? Mortal kombat 5 download pc. In that case, it can be handy to create aliases of mapped network drive(s):
- Right click on any mapped NAS device on your desktop.
- Select Make Alias
This might not sound like anything all that significant but, as the subheading suggests, you can use this alias to reconnect to a network drive with one click. That can be very helpful if you need to keep jumping between different shared drives.
Drive mapping solutions Dragon medical for mac.
Download Setapp and get an easy way to map a network drive in macOS and connect to another computer.
How to manage files with network-attached storage
In most cases, macOS’s default tools are sufficient for viewing, editing, and deleting files. That might change, however, if you’re using a NAS device. For example, it’s very easy to end up with a ton of duplicate files on your network drive where it’s likely you’ll be less concerned about making the most of your storage as you might be with a built in hard drive.
Gemini is a great tool for digging out any duplicate content on your drives, so you can ditch everything you no longer need while hanging onto backup documents, photos, etc.
- Open up the app and hit the giant + or drag your folder of choice into the window
- Choose from recommended locations or select a custom folder
- Push the green Scan for Duplicates button to get started
- Delete duplicate files manually or use Smart Cleanup to automate the process
For a more granular approach to file management, you might want to consider something like DCommander or Forklift. These apps both offer dual-pane file management, as well as features like batch renaming, copying, and deletion, in a more seamless way than your default Finder.
Although Forklift was designed with FTP management in mind, it’s become a favorite of network drive users because of how closely it resembles macOS. Billed as a Finder replacement app in parts of its marketing material, you won’t find an app much more native unless it comes out of Cupertino.
Lol for mac. Plus, actually getting started with the app is incredibly simple:
- Open up the Forklift app
- Use the left-hand panel to find the file(s) you want to move across
- Select the right-hand panel then, using the sidebar, click on your network drive
- Start moving, renaming and archiving files
If Forklift isn’t for you then you might prefer to take a look at DCommander, an approved Mac alternative of Total Commander for Windows. In addition to two side-by-side file panels that look very similar to those of Forklift, DCommander puts a wider range of commands and features (including quick file viewing, selective file unpacking, navigation history, and a great looking Dark Mode) at your fingertips without the need to leave the dual-panel display.
Both apps let you do things like mark certain drives as favorites, create and browse archives, and get previews of items. Fabfilter simplon vst download. In short, they’re much like macOS’s Finder … only better. It’s difficult to overstate how much easier it becomes to manage Mac storage with dual-pane browsing until you try to organize your network drive without it!
Try all these apps for free Little snitch 4 price.
Get a huge set of top apps for keeping your Mac in shape. Best utilities in one pack, give it a go!
Effectively manage Mac storage day-to-day
Thanks to macOS, network drive mapping is a pretty simple process even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy. You might be out of luck if you’re hoping to access a NAS device from another network using standard macOS tools but, at present, that’s pretty much the only thing keeping network drives from competing with the cloud at the mainstream level.
If remote access isn’t such a concern for you and you’re using NAS as an alternative to cloud, then it’s definitely worth taking a look at programs like Forklift or DCommander to make file management easier once you’re done drive mapping, as well as Gemini to ensure that your NAS device isn’t filling up with duplicate files you don’t need.
Best of all, the software mentioned above is available for a free trial through Setapp, a collection of over 150 high-quality macOS applications from the best developers around. Manage your Mac effectively today!
If you're looking to save some space, add some new music to your device, or plan to move a large file, having a flash drive that works with your iPhone is great. There are dozens of iPhone flash drive options to choose from online, and we've highlighted our favorites that give you the most bang for your buck. Here are the best flash drives for backing up your iPhone. Unless otherwise noted, each of the flash drives below has a storage capacity of 128GB.
Best for Most: EATOP iPhone Memory Stick
Staff FavoriteThe EATOP iPhone Memory Stick is an efficient and affordable memory stick with 128GB of storage space. It comes in black, gold, rose gold, and silver color options and has a Lightning plug and a USB side that can be used with the simple flick of its switch.
$22 at AmazonRugged: HooToo iPhone iPad flash drive
If you're looking for an iPhone flash drive that transfers your files super fast and is built to withstand the wear and tear of everyday life, the HooToo iPhone iPad flash drive is your best option. Plus, you can instantly add a nice dose of storage for your iPhone. It's built with a full, aluminum alloy design. While most of the flash drives on this list offer 128GB of storage, this one has just 64GB.
$36 at AmazonVersatile: SanDisk iXpand mobile flash drive
The SanDisk iXpand mobile flash drive works seamlessly with not only Mac computers, but also PCs. You can even play movies and music directly from your hard drive. There's no downloading needed, and no valuable space is taken up. This model is available only in 16GB or 64GB sizes.
From $50 at AmazonLightning Fast: GUORUI iPhone Lightning Memory Stick
The GUORUI iPhone Lightning Memory Stick gives you 128GB of storage space to quickly and safely transfer your iPhone's files. It comes with a 60-day return policy in case anything goes wrong, and works with any iPhone that has a Lightning port.
$26 at AmazonDurable: iDiskk MFI certified flash drive
Whether you're looking to transfer movies and photos or want to free up space on your iPhone, the iDiskk MFI certified flash drive is an option to consider. Designed with a durable aluminum build, it comes with a free app that supports shooting photos and videos, while instantly saving your masterpieces straight to the flash drive.
$40 at AmazonAffordable: SanDisk iXpand flash drive for iPhone and iPad
The SanDisk flash drive is designed to transfer your files so you can free up space fast. It automatically backs up all photos and videos, and easily stream videos on-the-go. The SanDisk flash drive for iPhone and iPad is the perfect little accessory to keep in your bag just in case you need that extra storage. This price is for the 128GB size, but you can choose anything from 32GB to 256 GB, depending on your needs.
$46 at AmazonStylish: CFTech iPhone Memory Stick
The CFTech iPhone Memory Stick is a fashion-forward and functional USB and Lightning adapter that allows you to store up to 128GB of photographs, videos, and more. It comes with a free app to make storage simple and is available in rose gold, black, and silver color options.
$24 at AmazonExtra Length: RAVPower Flash Drive for iPhone
The RAVPower Flash Drive for iPhone is a USB and Lightning port adapter with added length thanks to a short but useful cable. You can use it to not only store up to 128GB of files, but also charge your iPhone on the go with a portable battery pack. You can also save some money with a 64GB option if that's all you need.
$45 at AmazonThree in one: Kimiandy USB Flash Drive
Use the Kimiandy USB Flash Drive with your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and even an Android phone. Plug it in and save your photos to the free app, or directly to the social media platform of your choice.
$29 at AmazonDrive For Macbook Air
Find the perfect flash drive for you and your iPhone
External Drive For Mac
Are you a big fan of using an iPhone flash drive? Do you prefer iCloud? Do you just airdrop your files to your Mac once you run out of space on your iPhone? There are so many different storage options out there, but we're personally a huge fan of the EATOP iPhone Memory Stick because of its price, its design, and its wide color range.
If you're on the market for a flash drive that's a bit more rugged, then we're going to have to recommend the iDiskk MFI certified flash drive. Because of its durable aluminum design, it's perfect for traveling, camping, and going on more intense adventures.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
USB-C the light!Drive For Mac And Pc
These USB-C hard drives can back up or beef up your Mac's storage
Dvd Drive For Mac
USB-C is the future, and grabbing an external hard drive is a great way to store backups, music, movies, files, and more! Here are our favorite USB-C hard drives for your Mac!