This chapter is from the book
Sharing an Optical Drive
For those using a CD- or DVD-less iMac (the new 2012+ slim models), you can use another Macintosh on your network (including another iMac) to share a CD or DVD inserted into the other Macintosh’s drive. This gives you the ability to install software and access files even if you don’t have a physical drive connected.
Enabling DVD and CD Sharing
From a Macintosh with CD or DVD drives available, follow these steps to turn on optical drive sharing:
- In the System Preferences window, click the Sharing icon.
- Click the checkbox in front of the DVD or CD Sharing service.
- Click the Ask Me Before Allowing Others to Use My DVD Drive checkbox to prompt you when other people attempt to access your optical drive.
- Close the System Preferences.
Accessing a Shared Optical Drive
To access a shared optical drive from your DVD-free Mac, do the following:
- Open a new Finder window and make sure the Devices section in the Finder sidebar is expanded.
- Click the Remote Disc item in the Devices sidebar area.
- Double-click the computer that is sharing the DVD you want to use.
- If the DVD is not immediately visible, click Ask to Use to prompt the host computer that you’d like to use its drive.
- After access has been granted, the available DVD or CD is listed. Double-click the DVD or CD to begin using it.