My roomate can no longer get a hotspot in our apartment, but I'm naive to wireless routers. I have a desktop PC, with Roadrunner wired cable, she has an Imac- what should I get? (would the airport allow both she and me to connect?)
Thanks in advance, happy New Year.
2007-12-31 02:03:54 · 9 answers · asked by Schmeep 4 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
Wireless networks are not specific to the make or model. A desktop or Mac can be fitted with a wireless card so it would connect to a wireless modem. Some Internet providers will help you set up a wireless network and some will give you grief. Check with the Internet provider to know for sure their policy.
If you are planning to have a wireless network, please be advised that IF YOU DO NOT use security features available with the modem, anyone with a wireless capability can get to your files, especially if you share your hard drive in the wireless network.
Mac and PC laptops can use SOME of the same hardware to gain access to a wireless modem. Sometimes referred to as WIFI, the connection uses radio signals to connect to the wireless modem. Network protocals are used to control who has access and who cannot get on your modem. If set up as shared, you could both share files, printers, and the Internet, although that opens a lot of vulnerability to both of you. Be cautious and secure with your wireless modem.
Access to the Internet is great at coffee shops and airports, just ask someone who knows what to do to help you do it right. Each of you would connect to other websites as an independent person and it has no bearing on your wireless arrangements at home. you just need to find the wireless hub at the coffee shop or airport and get access, maybe with their permission or instructions. Often the wireless connection is open, so if you shared your files be sure to unshare them (turn it off) for that connection.
2007-12-31 02:31:59 · answer #1 · answered by Dan P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all: there's no such thing as a "laptop Imac". The iMac is one of Apple's desktop models. I assume your roommate has some other sort of Mac laptop.
The AirPort Base Station would indeed allow you both to connect, but if you don't already have one, I suggest that you save your money. A wireless router from a company such as Linksys will work just as well, but will only cost about US$50.
Whichever router you get, follow the setup instructions; it's quite simple. Virtually all wireless routers (including the AirPort) also have wired Ethernet ports, so you can connect your computers to it whether or not they have wireless network adapters. (If you prefer, you can also add wireless network adapters to the computers that don't have them.)
Setup should only take about 10 minutes. Good luck!
2007-12-31 11:01:40 · answer #2 · answered by MarnenLK 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if this helps at all, I have a MacBook and my PC is hooked up to the router through Ethernet. I am always able to connect.
If your roommate can longer get a hotspot, there could be two problems. Have you changed your wireless settings lately? You could always do a factory reset from the configuration address (eg. http://192.168.1.1/, or http://192.168.2.1/, I would check out your wireless router's vendor for that information). If they can't get a signal after that, I would say it would be a problem with their wireless. See if they can connect to another network.
If all else fails, buy a new router, brand shouldn't matter, I have a Belkin and a Linksys and they boh work just fine.
Without technical details, that's about all I can say.
2007-12-31 10:16:26 · answer #3 · answered by Nick K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pple's Airport Extreme would be a great choice for you both.
http://www.apple.com/airportextreme/specs.html
It has 4 wired ports as well as the wireless support - if she has a new imac with builtin wireless, this will be work very well.
2007-12-31 10:15:42 · answer #4 · answered by Spartacus! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they both speak 802.11g. Get yourself an airport or other 802.11g wireless router and follow the directions.
Most "wireless" routers also support a few wired connections, useful for setup or for computers that sit next to the router. I am not familiar with the Airport, make sure it supports a wired connection in addition to the wireless ones.
2007-12-31 10:11:48 · answer #5 · answered by Computer Guy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can use it for a Desktop PC and a Laptop. An iMac I imagion would already have a wireless internet card. You might need a USB wireless internet reciever for the desktop though.
Just hook the router to your internet phone line, and it will send out the information after installation.
2007-12-31 10:08:38 · answer #6 · answered by Tyler C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't understand the reference to "would the airport allow both" but if you have a wired cable modem, the answer is yes. Buy a wireless router, which usually has at least 1-4 wired connections. You can stay wired, and your friend can be on wireless.
2007-12-31 10:08:36 · answer #7 · answered by The Jolly Doc 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it should.
iMac and all Apple pcs are compatible with windows now (:
2007-12-31 10:08:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
most laptops have them inbuilt nowadays....
2007-12-31 10:07:49 · answer #9 · answered by lazarlin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's what i'm doing =D I'm on my laptop (wireless router) and my dad's on the computer (via wireless router).
I think that says it all really, happy new year to you, too! =D
2007-12-31 10:07:20 · answer #10 · answered by Napster964 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋