how do I hook up my new laptop(apple)to my exsisting PC terminal(2wire)?

Answer 1

You will need one of three things depending on which way you wish to go with this. First option is Internet Connection Sharing, which you use by enabling settings in your desktop to serve as the Internet Sharing Server. To use this you have to have the desktop computer on when accessing the net via your laptop.

Second is hooking up both the desktop and the laptop to a hub with a switch. You hook up the hub to your cable or dsl, then hook up both computers to the hub with RJ Cat 5 cable and connectors. This is simple and easy, and with the switch you don't have to split the broadband signal between the computers, even though if you only have one on at a time it is not really an issue. But sometime you will have somebody who wants to use your desktop while you use your laptop and then you would have to share your brandwidth. You don't want to do that as it slows down the connection in half as you have two computers.

The third option is to buy a router with a built in switch and a built in wireless access point, put an adapter in the laptop, and have a miixed network. This is easy but you need to know how to set up teh router and your adapter for safety.

This book will help you a lot: "Absolute Beginner's Guide to Home Networking" by Mark Edward Soper. It is not a large book but has everything you need to do any of these three things. It is easy to read and chalk full of solid information. It is a must have for all who isi just starting out with networking or needs further advice. I used it to set up both my office and home networks.

good luck and have a great day!