Wireless network iMac, Macbook & pc without a router!

Granto · May 4, 2009

It is my understanding that I don't NEED to buy a router...

That I can set my iMac up AS a router (using my cable modem) and have my Macbook and pc access the internet through a wireless connection to that iMac.

1.) Is this fairly simple?

2.) Fairly "safe" ?
(I say this because Apple Support would not walk me through this).

3.) Is this something somebody can lay out for me, step by step??

Sincerely,
Grant

twdcmd · May 4, 2009

I have not tried this, but a quick google found:
How to Use Your Mac as a Wireless Router | Macinstruct

Granto · May 4, 2009

twdcmd said:
I have not tried this, but a quick google found:
How to Use Your Mac as a Wireless Router | Macinstruct

THANK YOU!!

twdcmd · May 4, 2009

Welcome

cwa107 · May 4, 2009

Granto said:
It is my understanding that I don't NEED to buy a router...

That I can set my iMac up AS a router (using my cable modem) and have my Macbook and pc access the internet through a wireless connection to that iMac.

1.) Is this fairly simple?

Simple to set up? Somewhat. Reliable? Not at all...

2.) Fairly "safe" ?

In my opinion, no. You can set up wireless encryption, but it adds to overhead and will slow your machine down.

(I say this because Apple Support would not walk me through this).

3.) Is this something somebody can lay out for me, step by step??

Sincerely,
Grant

I would recommend against it. As cheap as wireless routers are these days (less than $50), it's WELL worth it to have a real, dedicated wireless router.

Granto · May 4, 2009

cwa107 said:
Simple to set up? Somewhat. Reliable? Not at all...

In my opinion, no. You can set up wireless encryption, but it adds to overhead and will slow your machine down.

I would recommend against it. As cheap as wireless routers are these days (less than $50), it's WELL worth it to have a real, dedicated wireless router.

GOOD STUFF!
THANK YOU!
Yeah, I've been following the step-by-step instructions, but have already hit a wall or two.
1st: It sets up my first & last name & "iMac" on the neighborhood wireless community. I can password protect, but I don't want my neighbors knowing my first & last name and the fact that I have a $2,000 computer!!!!! Call me over-protective, but heck -- this is not the best of neighborhoods. Ya know!?
>>>Problem is, I went into System Preferences > Sharing > Edit Computer Name and changed the name to something a little more generic. However, and even after re-booting the iMac, when I checked the wireless community out with my Macbook, the new name wasn't there! My old computer name WAS instead (advertising my full name and "iMac"). Even Apple Support (on hold as I type) cannot figure out how to change the name at an even more ROOT level! Sheesh.

2nd: that page seems to only focus on Mac, and I need to know how to get my pc also on this Internet Sharing Network.

As such... I'm thinking just buy a router. :Smirk:

twdcmd · May 4, 2009

Granto said:
GOOD STUFF!
As such... I'm thinking just buy a router.

That's actually what I would recommend as well, but I usually try to only answer the question asked...

Granto · May 4, 2009

twdcmd said:
That's actually what I would recommend as well, but I usually try to only answer the question asked...

And that you did!
Thank you.
I appreciate you taking the time.;D

bikalpapaudel · May 4, 2009

Router recommended.
However, knowing how to use your Mac as a router can be indispensable. As has the csae been with me.

At times I have to go over friends, and I need internet on my MacBook. While its a herculean task to use a Windows Vista PC as a router, testified by the fact that half-an-hour led me to no results, a few clicks is all that one needs on a Mac.

The most I could do after a couple of google searches is to use ad-hoc network to share, which too wasnt intuitive to create, and does not work on more than 2 devices.

I have recently bought a Mac, and I am new to the wireless world as well. Think about the oddities!

Granto · May 4, 2009

bikalpapaudel said:
Router recommended.
However, knowing how to use your Mac as a router can be indispensable. As has the csae been with me.

At times I have to go over friends, and I need internet on my MacBook. While its a herculean task to use a Windows Vista PC as a router, testified by the fact that half-an-hour led me to no results, a few clicks is all that one needs on a Mac.

The most I could do after a couple of google searches is to use ad-hoc network to share, which too wasnt intuitive to create, and does not work on more than 2 devices.

I have recently bought a Mac, and I am new to the wireless world as well. Think about the oddities!

COOLIO!

Tex-Twil · May 5, 2009

cwa107 said:
Simple to set up? Somewhat. Reliable? Not at all...

In my opinion, no. You can set up wireless encryption, but it adds to overhead and will slow your machine down.

I agree that it is not safe since the WEP encryption is known as very weak but it will not slow down your mac. It is the network card which does the encryption not your mac.

But anyway I'd go for a wireless router.

Granto · May 5, 2009

Thank You To Everyone For Taking The Time!

Tex-Twil said:
I agree that it is not safe since the WEP encryption is known as very weak but it will not slow down your mac. It is the network card which does the encryption not your mac.

But anyway I'd go for a wireless router.

GOT IT. I'M GOING TO DO THAT.
I'LL GET A ROUTER THAT WORKS WELL FOR BOTH PC & MAC.

Thanks to everyone!!