PC and Mac Wireless network help

...need them both on the same connection

[mcavill]

I've currently got a (BT) broadband line into my house, with a USB modem into my PC.

My girlfriend has gone and bought herself an iBook...

As such, I to get something set up that will allow us both to connect. I've been thinking about getting a wireless network sorted for a while and this might be the opportunity.

I know very little to nothing about PC networking, and even less about Macs.

If she gets a wireless card (do macs do cards?) and I get some sort of wireless modem / router setup, will life be OK again? Is the Mac airport stuff 802.11 compatable, what hardware do I need?

(Probably the wrong forum for the networking side of the question - but any suggestions about getting it setup would make my life a lot easier :) )

[GoYo]

Well, from what I understand, her iBook (It's a G4 one, right?) would use AirPort Extreme, which is 802.11g compatible.
Yes, Macs do use wireless cards.
So you could buy any old wireless 802.11g-compatible router and, provided you both have the wireless cards in your computers, you can use the internet!

[mcavill]

excellent thanks GoYo - that's what I was hoping.

[microcars]

also- where I read this, I don't know but if you are setting up WEP encryption (setting a password...) use a 5 digit password for 40bit encryption (80211.b) for best cross-platform compatibility and a 13 digit password for 128bit encryption (80211.g) for best Cross-platform compatibility.

if anyone has a link to more info about this and whether it is bunk or not, it would be welcome.

[mcavill]

just bought a d-link modem / router and an airport card, installed and wireless network working in about 30 mins...nice - now need to secure it.

[Macguru]

>>now need to secure it.

Secure it from what, theft?