Ford lariet...I won't add to the router/hub part of your adventure...but if you are running OSX 10.3 on up...you do not the installation disc they give you. All you need is all built into your operating system already. As a matter of fact, often times when you add the garbage they send you, it has an overall negative affect on your system.

 

Okay. Are the wireless router and a wireless adapter bought separately?

How are the wireless adapters plugged into the computers?

 

Yeah, that installation cd didn't do anything for me. I DO have Built-In Ethernet, though, if that means anything?

 

But you said that you were going to use wireless for the lap top? So you wont have to use the ethernet on it.

 

I am really confused. I don't know. I might just buy the Airport base station and get it over with. I feel so lost...

 

Yes they are sperate... and the adapter plug different ways.. you can get PCI, USB, PCMIA, etc, etc,
They are the same as an ethernet card or adapter only no place to plug wires and have an antenna instead.

 

OK. If you have a Powerbook, it has built-in wireless as well, If you have an iBook, it might (and usually do).

So assuming you have wireless built in...the chain works like this:

wall outlet->DSl Modem->wireless router.

On the receiving end....wireless card->computer or laptop.

If your desktop does not have a wireless card built-in, then you need the adapter that someone mentioned. It's a minibox with an antenna that plugs into the ethernet port of your desktop.

Hope all this helps. When you add the router you might have to let the provider know its MAC address so that the network can see it.

 

Thats just a wireless adapter... You'll still need a wireless router in your home to connect at your home.

 

PSS...the Airport base station IS a wireless router.

 

I am pretty sure that is the router? On the previous page they were selling adapters, and way less than $200.

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL....0.3.1.0.1.1.0

 

No, that's a router.

A wirless adapter will be similar to the 2wire adapter you have except for instead of one end plugging into the phone line and one end into your computer, its just one end into the computer and it will pick up the signal from the wireless router, or that airport you mentiond

 

Alright lets do this...

You have

1. Computer number one:
   Desk top with Ethernet adapter
2. Computer #2
   Desk top with ethernet asapter
3. Computer #3
   Laptop with wireless adapter

Then follow this diagram.....
http://www.homenethelp.com/web/diagr...ireless-ap.asp

Wall to DSL modem, DSL modem to router, Router to each computer "either via cables or wireless".

 

Ohhh okay, Bluetooth and all??lol

So if I got the AirPort base Station, and my laptop is already Airport-ready, I will not need an adapter, right?

 

right. You will for that second computer thats using the 2wire adapter though

 

Correct-o-mundo

You will not need it for the laptop...you might for the desktop