What are the differences among these methods to access files from Windows and Linux on a Mac?

[hajime]

Hi, I want to access (read and write) some files from Windows and Linux PC on a Mac. What are the differences among the following methods:

1. Format an external drive in exFAT format. Plug the drive to a Windows PC/Linux Box, copy files to the external storage and then directly and physically connect the drive to Mac to access the files.

2. Set up a semba file server on the Mac and connect/access the files from the PC/Linux box.

3. Use a NAS.

4. Install some sort of program on the Mac which allows access to Windows/Linux files.

ideally I could also move the files back to Windows/Linux PC and access the files there.

 

[gilby101]

1. Yes, but do the formatting on a Mac.
2. macOS includes file sharing out of the box.
3. Yes.
4. macOS connects to Windows/Linux shares out of the box.

So whatever is easiest for you. All methods include read/write.