How do I connect laptop to my DSL connection?

[MacinMA]

Sorry for such a dumb question, but I have never had to do this before... Just got a MacBook for my wife, I have an Imac which is connected via Ethernet to my DSL connection.

I was assuming there is a way to latch on to this connection with the laptop?

Can't seem to figure out how to do this.

Again sorry for the dumb question!

 

[SweetCosmicPope]

One word: router. You can go wired or wireless, but I wouldn't waste money on a wired router if you're using a laptop.

Alot of people swear by the airport extreme. I haven't used it, but it sounds good. I'm not gonna dish out that kinda money, though, when my linksys does fine. /ot

Anyways, you'll want to connect the ethernet connection to the router, and use a second ethernet plug to go to the iMac. After you run the install, search for the name you gave your router on your macbook and type in the passcode you programmed and you should be connected. If there are any problems, people are here to help, as far as that goes. I will say, I've always had the best luck on channel 11 with my router (one of the settings).

 

[DarkestRitual]

You need a wireless router + 1 more ethernet cable to make this work.

If you don't do too much complicated stuff on your network, I'd recommend just a basic N. The Airport Extreme Base Station from Apple is an amazing product, but might be overkill unless you want to add more features to your network (such as printer sharing without having to have the iMac turned on - i can run you through either set up, with or without the AEBS- or a network storage drive accessible by both computers).

Otherwise, just your average G router will do (i'd recommend netgear) if you don't need to travel a great distance, or cover your bases with a basic N router (again I'd recommend netgear).

The router will plug into the DSL modem, the iMac will plug into the router, and the MacBook will pick up the wireless signal.

 

[DarkestRitual]

One word: router. You can go wired or wireless, but I wouldn't waste money on a wired router if you're using a laptop.

Alot of people swear by the airport extreme. I haven't used it, but it sounds good. I'm not gonna dish out that kinda money, though, when my linksys does fine. /ot

Anyways, you'll want to connect the ethernet connection to the router, and use a second ethernet plug to go to the iMac. After you run the install, search for the name you gave your router on your macbook and type in the passcode you programmed and you should be connected. If there are any problems, people are here to help, as far as that goes. I will say, I've always had the best luck on channel 11 with my router (one of the settings).

All of my linksys networking gear dropped connections like a pile of brown stuff, and I see more people coming into work complaining about them. Belkin too, I see a lot of people complaining about. I have yet to hear somebody whine about their netgear having a hardware issue. I've heard people complain that they don't know how to set it up, but that's ok. It's easy.

Follow the steps as I said above (other than the wireless part, don't need that yet). Insert disc that comes with router (after the iMac is hardwired to it). Click through menus. Voila.

 

[SweetCosmicPope]

Yeah, I haven't used netgear. I've seen some people complain about linksys, but I've never had a problem. Been through 2 WRT54G routers in the last ten years and my connections are pretty solid.

 

[clayneal]

I use and furnish / spec linksys for my customers and have never had an issue.

Clay

 

[DarkestRitual]

Yea, I had the 160n and the 310n, both suck a big pile of suck.

 

[MacinMA]

Thanks

Well it just so happens I have this Belkin router and a super long ethernet cable thats been collecting dust, So are you saying that I could just use this, connect it directly to my dsl modem snake the 100 ft cord upstairs and a shorter one to my imac and both can use the connection?


Thats all we really want is the connivence sometimes of hoping online upstairs, for the most part the laptop will be used at the library where we have already determined that ot works like a charm.

 

[clayneal]

Well it just so happens I have this Belkin router and a super long ethernet cable thats been collecting dust, So are you saying that I could just use this, connect it directly to my dsl modem snake the 100 ft cord upstairs and a shorter one to my imac and both can use the connection?


Thats all we really want is the connivence sometimes of hoping online upstairs, for the most part the laptop will be used at the library where we have already determined that ot works like a charm.

Yes if that is all you are looking to do then that should be all you need.

Clay

 

[firesidedog]

I have a Netgear that operates from the first floor of my house to my mac upstairs. I have yet to have any problems with it.(I hope i just didn't jinx myself).

 

[SweetCosmicPope]

Yeah. That'll definitely do. Personally, I wouldn't because I prefer to be more mobile, but if that's what floats your boat.