You’ll need an external drive to do anything else.įirst, you’ll need to set up the server on a remote computer with a disc drive. In other words, this feature only allows you to access the files on a data disc over a network from within Mac OS X. This includes DVD movies, audio CDs, copy-protected discs, operating system installation discs, and blank discs you want to burn to. Important Note: Apple notes that many types of discs won’t work with the Remote Disc feature. As long as you have another computer with an optical drive on your network, you can use its optical drive from your Mac. Apple also provides free remote disc server software for Windows PCs. The appropriate server software is included on a Mac, so you’ll just have to enable it. A Mac or Windows PC on your network can function as a server, and your Mac can access discs inserted into that server. Luckily, it’s possible to use discs without buying an external drive thanks to the built-in Remote Disc feature. If you have multiple Macs, such an external drive will allow you to plug it into any Mac you’re using, getting the benefits of optical disc support when you actually need it. Apple’s isn’t the only option - you can also buy third-party ones, and you’ll find many of them on Amazon and elsewhere. It doesn’t have Blu-Ray support, so you’ll need to find another external drive if you care about that. It plugs into a Mac via a USB cable and allows you to both read and write CDs and DVDs. You can leave a drive like this on your desk at home or take with you in your laptop bag.Īpple offers their own external drive known as the Apple USB SuperDrive. Such an external drive could read CDs and DVDs, play Blu-Rays, and even burn discs - if that’s what you want. To do this, you’ll need to buy an external disc reader that plugs into your Mac via a USB cable. RELATED: How to Share CD & DVD Drives Over the Network on WindowsĪn external optical drive will allow you to access discs on your Mac.

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