[dsokal]

My iMac OS X v10.5.6 connects to our network via airport. Can an XP Home SP2 PC with an ethernet connection to the iMac connect to the network via the iMac, without having to connect the PC directly with a cable to the router or adding a USB wireless, or wireless card to the PC? If this can be done, does it also allow the PC to access the internet?

Here are the specs on the airport installation in the iMac:

Wireless Card Type: AirPort Extreme (0x14E4, 0x88)
Wireless Card Locale: USA
Wireless Card Firmware Version: Broadcom BCM43xx 1.0 (5.10.38.24)
Current Wireless Network: PTWC Network
Wireless Channel: 7

Our network is set up with the router acting as a DHCP server. Currently the Ethernet connection is with assigned IPs as the hub I am using is just a switch.

[ghporter]

You're wanting to use the iMac as basically a wireless adapter for the PC? If so, yes, it can be done. Not the best solution though.

If it's a desktop PC, you can get a PCI wireless adapter for it for something under $30 if you look around a little. For a laptop, you can go with a USB adapter (again inexpensive) and get on your wireless network without a problem.

[Spheric Harlot]

This can easily be done:

Apple menu --> System Preferences --> Sharing --> Internet Sharing --> "Share your connection from: Airport" "To computers using: Ethernet".

Done.

The iMac will need to be running, though, in order for the PC to connect.