Mac/PC on same network?

[Sheila Qwann]

I need to connect a pc in one room & a mac in another to my cable Internet. After some consideration, I've decided to go with a wired network, mostly for security. I've read up on a couple sites, but unfortunately the ones dealing with wired networks seem to be a little old, concentrating on windows 95/98 & not mentioning macs at all. Product listings don't seem to mention any OS specificity, but I want to make sure before buying. I'm considering one of these routers: http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=316833&pfp=BROWSE or http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=301578&pfp=BROWSE Any reason either would not work to connect a Mac & PC to the same cable Internet modem? OS's are XP & OSX.

Thanks!

Sheila

[classicsoftware]

You should have no trouble sharing an Internet connection between a MAC and a PC. You will need a router that will act as a DHCP server. Making them speak to each other is a whole different ball game.

[Whyzman]

Yep ya can: http://www.apple.com/uk/smallbusiness/mac_pc/networking.html

Do you have easy access to cabling between the two computers? Today's encryption protocols do not make it easy for anyone but those "really" in the know to be able to hack into a wireless setup.

Fact is, most folks don't take the time to use the encryption tools available and just leave things at the default and wide open to tourists...That's usually why wireless gets a bad rap...

My son uses his Nintendo DS which has wireless capabilities to scan occasionally as we drive down city streets...it is amazing the number of folks who are wide open to tourist traffic...

[Sheila Qwann]

Thanks for the replies, I thought the different os's weren't an issue, but I wanted to be sure before proceeding. I'm not going to need for the 2 machines to share files etc, just the Internet connection. I understand there is encryption to increase the security of wireless, and yes wireless would be easier, I'd just rather have the impenetrability of a wired setup. I see there are methods of using internal house wiring as one's connection, such as http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/Netgear_XE102_Powerline_Adapter/4505-3380_16-21057065.html?tag=also but the total cost w/router would then be about $150. Still, I wonder if anyone has used these?

Sheila