Your local or remote server holds all the files, forms, client data, etc. that your firm needs. But you are on the go and can’t always be on your desktop. Luckily, there’s an easy way to connect your Mac device to a server remotely.

Let’s just dive in.

There are a few ways to connect to a server remotely, using AppleScript or a third party app, but we want to give you the easiest option.

Follow these steps:

1. Launch Finder. You can do this either by clicking on Finder in the bottom left corner of your menu or clicking on any free space on your desktop. You’ll know you’ve launched Finder when you see “Finder” appear next to your Apple icon in the top left corner of your menu.

2. Next, click on “Go.”

3. Select “Connect to Server.” It’s the last option on newer Mac OS.

4. Now you enter the server address. You need to get this from your Admin. It could be a URL or an IP address. Alternatively, if you have connected to the server previously, you can select “Browse” or the server may automatically appear when you select the Down Arrow next to the dialog box.

5. Click “Connect.”

6. Select “Guest” or “Registered User.” Then you will be prompted to enter your login credentials. Enter these details and you are now connected to your remote server.

The remote server will appear as a drive in the Finder Favorites (on the left hand side of the Finder window). Double-click and you’re in!

Most of the time, for security purposes, you’ll want to disconnect from the server when you’re done. To do this, simply right click on the server drive in the Finder menu and select “Eject.”

Once you’ve connected to a server

Now, if you’ve previously done the above steps, then all you need to do is basically remind your computer to reconnect when you want to access the server remotely again. This is very easy.

Simply click on the Apple menu (top left corner) and select “Recent Items.”

From here a dropdown menu will appear and all you need to do is click on your server.  

As always, we are happy to share our Mac insight with you! We hope this helps you stay connected and productive from wherever you are. If you have any more Mac-related questions for your law firm, feel free to drop us a line.


Luke Kumanchik

Entrepreneur, programmer, backyard farmer & Dungeon Master Extraordinaire.