[rocky2]

I admin a 600 MHz iMac that has blown the Ethernet port and needs returning to Apple under Applecare (for the second time-last summer it was a blown main board) but it is mission critical for the next 6 weeks (runs library barcode based catalog, etc., for a small school library). The librarian also uses it for accessing other library databases over the Internet. So we need Internet access but can't return the machine just yet. I know that the Windows world offer IP over USB using a small adapter that plugs into a USB port and to which a LAN cable can be connected. (We don't have wireless IP in the school so Wi-Fi over USB is not an option). I bought a Windows model and plugged it into the USB port of the iMac and sure enough it shows up in the System Profile Application (running OS 10.2.4). However, I can't see the adapter in the Network list (still shows internal modem and internal Ethernet).
So is IP over USB not possible? If yes, how does one make the setup of IP adresses, etc.
I know that IP over Firewire is possible but there are no such adapters that I can find here in Japan--not even in Electric Town Akihabara.

[Sarc]

IP Over firewire doesn't work quite like that ...
It works in the way that you can connect two Macs via FireWire and have them talk via TCP/IP (very much as if you'd connect them via a crossed ethernet cable).
What you can do is connect the iBook to another Mac, and then bridge both connections (FW and Ethernet) on the second Mac.

[geekwagon]

The problem is going to be drivers. As far as I know, none of the USB to Ethernet adapters have drivers in OS X. So it won't work.

Wouldn't it be easier to maybe put an airport card in the machine and a cheap 802.11b access point nearby?

[Kaner]

make sure you are trying to add the connection to the connections list, it probably wont just show up.

[rocky2]

Like most schools, we're strapped for cash and live in a Windows-dominated world. The PTA bought this Mac for the library to try and break the strangehold that WIndows has in the computer room. It has been a mixed experience�\the Athenaeum freeware that we use for the library database has been wonderful and saved $3000 on what the Windows salesmen wanted for a commercial product called Athena but the iMac has had hardware problems ever since it was bought, including bad CD-RW, dead main board and now this dead Ethernet port. All ready there are mumblings about unreliable Macs and I cannot give the naysayers the opportunity to attack again over the cost of Airport and a base station. That's why I was hoping to avoid the issue with a $30 USB-Ethernet adapter out of my own pocket until I can secretly ship the Mac back for repair when the dark side sceptics are all on summer vacation!
Has any Mac wizard ever used a USB-Ethernet solution under OS X.
It occurred to me that I could use the built-in modem but the rising telephone costs would set alarm bells ringing and the slow connection would drive the librarian nuts--she's used to 12 Mbps.

[Camelot]

There are USB Ethernet adapters that work with Macs, it's just a matter of having the right drivers - something that most Windows devices don't come with.

it might be worth checking the manufacturer's web site to see if they have Mac drivers, alternatively, check

http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=...Froogle+Search

for some Mac-compatible USB Ethernet Adapters. Not sure about availability of these devices in Japan, but hopefully it'll give you a few pointers.

[rocky2]

I thought I'd take a look for possible USB-Ethernet adapters in Akihabara yesterday afternoon. Saw a lot of cool Mac stuff but could not find one adapter supporting OS X. In desperation, I visited a few of of the backstreet Mac geek shops where some of the employees rank genius on the Apple Store scale and not a one had heard that this is possible in OS X or what adapter is supported if any.
Guess its back to the modem for net connections for the next 6 weeks.

[coolmacdude]

Originally posted by rocky2:
Like most schools, we're strapped for cash and live in a Windows-dominated world.

But see the thing is, research has shown that most of the time, Macs are less expensive in the long run. So you should stop being so secretive and demand that all machines be replaced with Macs immediately.