I have recently been notified by Verizon that I now have DSL service. I would like to network the following:
...liberal snipping...
1. Supermac S900 - system 9.2.2. 2. AIO Beige running 9.2.2 with OSX 3. PC desktop running windows XP 4. IBM laptop running windows 98. I could load XP on it if necessary.
All of the systems you listed can easily be configured to use your new DSL service.
As Alan mentioned, I have been running a mix of stuff on a router & DSL for about a year now. (G3B&W, 9600, C600, G3 laptop, 3400 laptop) All are running either OS 9 or OSX or a combination. The G3B&W, 9600 and C600 are wired. The laptops are connected wirelessly.
I also have a PC compatibility card in the 9600 (running Windows 98) that uses the router, as well as a Newton 2100 that can connect to it wirelessly. Our router has a printer port (parallel) that we use with a Apple LaserWriter printer.
I can directly connect the desktop and AIO to the router via cable. I want the laptop to be wireless for protability reasons.
These are all pretty straight forward. I would highly recommend doing a little reading on Apple's web site, in the support area. Do a search for Networking. There is some really good information on Apple's site.
You might also take a look at a site called three macs. It has some good networking information, especially if you want to include a printer in the network. They are at www.atpm.com/network/
Since you will be mixing Mac and Windows systems, definitely take a look at the Mac/Windows site located at www.macwindows.com/
The S900, which is the main family computer, is in a difficult space to connect via cable -- I would also like it to run wireless. However I could run
the phone line to the S900, but all other computers would then have to
be wireless.
How difficult??? If the S900 is the "main family computer" you will be much happier if it is wired to a router, rather than connecting wirelessly. As nice as wireless is, it is not as fast or stable as a wired connection.
What type of hardware do I need?
I assume you will get a DSL modem with your new Verizon setup. Be sure to ask them if you can connect multiple computers. Some vendors object, or want you to pay extra, but most don't care. I highly recommend buying a router instead of doing "sharing" through one computer. You get better connections and a router has added security.
All of your computers will need either a ethernet port or a PC card slot. I suspect the systems you listed already have those. So all you need is a router and some ethernet cables.
What brands are MAC compatible? Vendors?
Alan mentioned D-link and Linksys. I am using an Asante router, the FR1004AL model. I may sound like an ad for Apple but you should take a look on their site in the "Made for Mac" area. You will find a comprehensive list of routers and manufacturers. Lots of vendors will indicate their equipment works with a Mac, but then they don't supply any Mac specific instructions. The Apple site is pretty clear in what does and does not work with OSX or 9.
Can I use 9.2.2 or is Mac OS X the way to go?
Your Mac systems are find. Since Microsoft is discontinuing support for Windows 98 you might want to upgrade the IMB laptop to XP. But, 98 works ok.
Do I need to purchase additional software?
You basically have all the software already.
I would recommend making a list of your machines, how you want to connect them. Then go looking for a DSL router, and some WiFi cards that fill those needs. If at all possible, stick to one brand. It will make your life a lot easier.
Nancy
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