Windows + Mac Wireless Networking

scizatus

Junior Member
Mar 20, 2005
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My computer is the main computer in the house. I run windows XP MCE. My girlfriend has a Mac that she keeps in our bedroom. We have cable internet. We would like to get her Mac on the internet, as well. Is there a way to let a Mac computer share a wireless connection with a windows computer, like using a USB network card or something?
 

chcarnage

Golden Member
May 11, 2005
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If the WLAN station acts as a router, it's not a problem.

Macs have USB for ages, in most cases it's possible to use an external USB to WLAN-solution like this one. Normally they require OS X (Version 10.2 in the linked case). I don't know if there are products with drivers and support for OS 9.

It's also possible to use Apple's own wireless solution. Basically there are three kinds of Macs:
- "Airport Expreme" ready: refers to the 54 mbit/s standard (802.11g)
- "Airport" ready: refers to the 11 mbit/s standard (802.11b). Those Macs won't run with Airport Extreme cards!
- Macs too old for Apple's Airport.
If you're not sure about the Airport compatibility of your gf's Mac, post which model it is and I will figure it out. (Product line and CPU speed suffices. To determine the CPU speed, select "about this mac..." in the Apple menu on the upper left corner of the desktop.)


If the Mac in question is a Powerbook, you could buy a WLAN card for its PC Card slot. It makes no sense though because the antenna of the card likely is inferior to the integrated Airport antenna.

Edit: To exchange files between Mac and PC, read the mini-guide here.