How do I access network resources from a Mac?

Follow these instructions to access a shared network resource (such as colab_fac) from a mac

In In finder, click on Go -> Network

Enter the following server address

1 - enter the server address. For most shares, smb://mbfs is the address - check this article for server names and uses.

2 - optionally, add the server address to the Favorite Servers list for easy access

3 - click Connect

The server address for your K drive

The server address for the K drive is longer. Enter smb://mbfs/Staff/USERNAME, where USERNAME is your network username, usually first initial last name, ie shinds.

Connecting

Username and Password

Enter your username and password, and select "Remember this password in my keychain" if you'd prefer to remember this connection.

Select the share you which to access.

Repeat the process for additional shares.

Map a network drive to Mac OS X that remounts after system reboot

This method allows you to reboot your Mac and have the mapped network drive automatically remount and appear on the desktop, this is more persistent than the above method:

From the Finder, hit Command+K
Enter the path to the network drive you want to map, ie: smb://networkcomputer/networkshare and click Connect
Enter your login credentials and click OK
The drive is now mounted, but continue on to map for system reboot persistence
Now enter into System Preferences, from the Apple menu
Click on Accounts
Click on Login Items
Click on the + button to add another login item
Locate the network drive you previously mounted and click Add
Exit out of System Preferences

Your network drive will now be mapped and automatically remounted when your reboot your mac.

Make the mapped drive visible on the Mac desktop

It's possible that the mounted drive will not appear on the desktop due to a system setting. If you want the mapped drive icon to be visible on the desktop, be sure to do the following additional steps:

From the Finder, open Finder Preferences by hitting Command+,
Click the General tab
Select the checkbox next to Connected Servers
Close Finder Preferences

Selecting the checkbox next to Connected Servers ensures that you'll see the icon on your Mac Desktop, otherwise it will only be visible in the Finder window sidebars and Open/Savedialogues.

Remount mapped network drive with a click

A great additional step for either method is to create an alias of the mapped network drive. This allows you to reconnect to the share with just a click. Heres how to do this:

Right-click on the mapped network drive on the Mac OS desktop
Select Make Alias

Now you can double-click that alias to reconnect to the network drive instantly.