Internet access question

Ok, here we go with my first of what will likely be many questions.

I am expecting a macbook later this week and currently have a pc desktop hooked up to the Internet by Verizon DSL and a Westell model 220 dsl router. I am assuming that I will need/want to hook my macbook to the Internet, perhaps to register it or download updates. Can i simply unplug the ethernet plug from my pc and put it into the macbook?

I expect that I will eventually go to a wireless system, maybe soon, not sure, but for the immediate future would this simple hookup work? Oh, and would a splitter work, so that i could have both pc and macbook connected to the internet (not necessarily operating at the same time) without pulling the plug from one and putting it into the other?

yeah i know i said one question, but one question seems to blossom into more with me.

 

Yeap, all you need to do is feed the notebook or desktop a Cat5 cable into the ethernet port from the router and you're good to go.

Routers usually have more then one ethernet port, just buy another Cat5 ethernet cable and plug that into your desktop and notebook.

Investing in a wireless router is a good idea, a notebook is meant to be mobile

 

Great thanks.
my router is an older/inexpensive one and only has one ethernet port. I will have to check to see if they make splitters for that. On my router, from left to right is has the phone line jack, USB port (unused at this time) power switch, 12v power port, then a small white port with pictures of what appear to be three connected computers above it, and finally the ethernet port.
I will try to check online as to what the little white port is.

Also i have seen Cat6 cables in the store, along with the Cat5. what is the difference?

any recommendations for a wireless router. Apple airport extreme looks good, but a bit pricey at about $179.

 

Linksys routers aren't expensive and are reliable. Apple's AirPort Extreme, in my opinion, isn't necessary when there are Linksys and D-Link options.

 

ty

I will have to check those other brands out

 

I am eyeing the D-Link N router. Lots of good reviews and a reasonable price.

 

Anyone else want to put their $.02 in as to a good router? I also saw a Netgear router on the store shelves along with Linksys and D-Link.


Figured it couldn't hurt to ask. I am also checking reviews

 

From what you described, that is not a router you have. It is a DSL modem.

CAT6 has faster transfer speeds, but can be used as a CAT5e cable also. They are more expensive though.

I use a D-Link DGL-4300. Good wireless router, which is intended for gaming but I use it for regular things and it works well.

 

Hey thanks knp. Yeah i probably got the terms mixed up, although it says DSL router on the bottom.

D-Link seems to have some good reviews. The Apple Airport Extreme looks nice but just too darn expensive. Well I have some time to go to the stores and check them out.

 

Here's a link to the router I have:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127158&Tpk=DGL-4300

Although it is $120, I paid $100 for it. I've seen it as low as $85, but that was when the retail price was still $100. They seem to have increased the price.

 

Looks nice, thanks for the heads up.

Is it worth going to n versus the g. Right now I live in a somewhat small apartment, two floors. I'm thinking that if there isn't too much of a price difference, I may go with n in case i need it in the future.