If I get a Mac, would I just plug my broadband internet modem into the Mac the same as a PC?

Question

Or do I have to get someone to come do it for me and do some special stuff to it? Also how would I set the internet up and does Apple give you an email address, like [e-mail]. Also I have blueyonder broadband, what happens to my blueyonder email account? I dont want it, so how do I get rid of it?

Answer 1

Right answer from others about a Dot Mac account. You gotta pay but there is also a free trial period if you wanna see how you like it. It's not just email but lots of other cool stuff.

Often you will not get a connection by just unlugging the ethernet cable from one computer and plugging into another. If you get no connection on the new computer, unplug power to the modem for at least 40 seconds and then power on again and wait another 40 seconds. Try to load a web page, refresh it and all. If still no connection, ask the Internet Sevice Provider ("BlueYonder") if they "capture the M.A.C. address". That's not related to "Mac" but it is the ethernet device hardware address. If they do, it is because they want you to pay more each month for connecting their service to more than one computer. You can pay extra if you wish.

Here is a workaround for that but don't say I told you. Don't give them the hardware address of your Mac. Instead, buy a router for about 20 bucks. Connect the router to the broadband modem as though it were a new computer. Now use two other ethernet cables to connect your two computers to the router. Next, refer to your instructions that came with the router to find the router's hardware address (M.A.C. address) and call the ISP and give them the hardware address of the router as though it were a new computer. Tell them that is what you want them to change in their setup for your "new computer". This means the router is seen by the modem as a computer. Also, a router is another security feature for virus / worm prevention and such.

If your broadband connects via PPPoE (your ISP will tell you), you must again refer to your router instructions for setting up the router for that. The old computer that was formerly setup for PPPoE will need to be changed to setup for DHCP. The Mac comes already setup for DHCP as default. As always, if after all this is complete you still don't connect with either computer, turn off power to the broadband modem and the router for 40 seconds and then power them on again and wait another 40 seconds. The last thing you will want to do is discuss your router setup with your ISP. Firstly, they don't usually offer such support. Secondly, if they try, they might muck it up. Thirdly, they may tell you that you need to pay extra for the additional connection even though the same guy who tells you this is probably using a router at his house.

If you buy a new Mac, you will have 90 days of free tech support by phone and a toll-free number. After 90 days, you pay. Call them after you do all the stuff above if it still is a no-go. They don't go very far with a complex network but if you explain it is 2 computers on a router to a modem, they will probably give you some advice.

You can either ignore the Blueyonder email account or ask them to remove it. What's the harm in ignoring it?

Answer 2

Yes it will work the same, just move the ethernet cable from the old computer to the MAC and your done. Apple does not give you a .MAC account. They are $99 a year. For email, just use anyone of the many free email clients like yahoo or gmail.

Answer 3

I am guessing you have dsl (Which most people do) Just plug in an internet cable to both computers. It is not like a phone line, where you need to buy another line.

Answer 4

its easier than a pc