Sharing my Airport with a headless Linux box
 

Hi! I've got an iMac, and the iMac's got Airport. I've set it to share its Internet connection with any computer on the ethernet port. I've got a Linux box that will be headless as soon as I can get it talking to the Mac.

I've tried going direct between the computers with a CAT5 cable. I've also tried it with a router. Do I need a crossover cable? Please say I don't need to buy a crossover cable. Every little expense counts, and the crossovers look just like CAT5's, which is obnoxious for organizational purposes.

To connect 2 machine directly together, you will need a crossover cable. Most crossover cables are orange. I am pretty sure that is the standard color. Of course, you could make yourself one. But you would need the tools to do it. You can get a crossover for like $8 a best buy. Well, depending on the length you need.

Shucks :)

Interesting idea. How might I make my own? I've got PLENTY ofregular CAT5's. The only crossover cable I've ever bought (a year or two ago) was beige.

I believe you swap the pairs on one end of the cable. Im not sure which pairs, but doing a google search on "cat 5 crossover diagram" should find some more reliable information.