We have a Dell desktop, with internet through Comcast, and just bought a Macbook because we've been wanting to go the Apple path. While the battery charges, here are some dumb questions that reveal my ignorance as much as anything else I've ever written here.
1) Until I get a more permanent solution, can I just unplug the Comcast line from the Dell and connect it to the Mac to set up the Mac and switch the line back and forth between computers whenever I want?
2) Is there some kind of splitter I can connect downstream of the Comcast box so both computers can be plugged in at the same time?
3) What do I need to buy to set up a wireless network and does it plug in downstream of the Comcast box or does a wireless router replace the box? The Mac is ready for wireless, but what do I get for the Dell desktop? I don't have any free USB connectors on the desktop but, if I go wireless, would I be able to free up one of them by getting a wireless mouse and having it go through the router? Do I also connect the printer to the router instead of the desktop?
4) Is there any problem running the Mac and Dell on the same network? Is it less of a problem since the Mac came with OS X Leopard?
Thanks for any help you can give me.
1) Until I get a more permanent solution, can I just unplug the Comcast line from the Dell and connect it to the Mac to set up the Mac and switch the line back and forth between computers whenever I want?
2) Is there some kind of splitter I can connect downstream of the Comcast box so both computers can be plugged in at the same time?
3) What do I need to buy to set up a wireless network and does it plug in downstream of the Comcast box or does a wireless router replace the box? The Mac is ready for wireless, but what do I get for the Dell desktop? I don't have any free USB connectors on the desktop but, if I go wireless, would I be able to free up one of them by getting a wireless mouse and having it go through the router? Do I also connect the printer to the router instead of the desktop?
4) Is there any problem running the Mac and Dell on the same network? Is it less of a problem since the Mac came with OS X Leopard?
Thanks for any help you can give me.