[milkmanchris]

Just waiting for the 12" PB to arrive (my first Mac) all I want to do is be able to surf the web wirelessly from downstairs (the usb broadband modem and xp pc are upstairs).

Is it as simple as buying a wireless modem/router and enabling the airport card the PB has built in?

Will this enable me to share the printer/files (also upstairs attached to the pc), or do i need a wireless card for the pc too?

The more i search the forum and web the more i get confused.

I just dont wanna waste my time buying one bit of kit and end up taking it back for another, weekends are short enough as it is.

Thanks for your help in this guys, and for the advice in me making the switch to Mac.

Chris

[John Strung]

Originally posted by milkmanchris:
Just waiting for the 12" PB to arrive (my first Mac) all I want to do is be able to surf the web wirelessly from downstairs (the usb broadband modem and xp pc are upstairs).

Is it as simple as buying a wireless modem/router and enabling the airport card the PB has built in?

It would be if you had an ethernet modem. You will have a hard time finding a router to connect to a USB modem.

[milkmanchris]

I was looking at the adsl modem and router in one if that helps

[John Strung]

Just avoid anything with a USB connection. A device with a USB connection will require drivers and can become obsolete if you upgrade your OS. Also, USB is not networkable but ethernet is. Whatever you get, make sure it connects via ethernet not via USB.

[milkmanchris]

Thanks for that John.

Was looking at a modem and wireless router in one.

From what i can gather it connects to the PC via ethernet and the Mac will pick up the wireless signal.

Still cant suss out if i will need a wireless card for the PC too?

Well the PB hasnt arrived yet so i got a couple more days to research.

Thanks again

C

[John Strung]

If the modem includes a wireless router, then you won't need a wireless card in the PC.

[Sod Off Sadr]

a simple answer:

1. return the usb modem. Get one ethernet-based.
2. buy a combination wired-wireless router.
3. connect pc. Configure router. Enable airport on mac, then connect.
4. if printer sharing is turned on, then it will continue to share through your pc.

you could always buy a separate device in order to share your printer through your router, thus keeping it independent of the pc (which saves energy by not keeping it on all the time).

[milkmanchris]

Thanks for that.

Its the way im gonna go i think, so if i get a modem/router all in one the PC dont have to be turned on?

I guess i can also hook Xbox live this way too.

Cheers

C

[Gig103]

Originally posted by milkmanchris:
so if i get a modem/router all in one the PC dont have to be turned on?

Correct, the router will be set up to act as the PC, logging into the DSL, maintaining the connection, etc.

[milkmanchris]

Thanks Gig.

Just waiting for the PB to arrive.

Crucial sent me the extra memory in 24hrs, I can get the router in the same time.......however my PB is sat on a runway somewhere in Taiwan, so its gonna be the back end of next week.

Chris

(PB'less in windy UK)