What hardware/software do I need for internet sharing?

[Carvahlo]

"What hardware/software do I need for internet sharing?"

I'm not really familiar with Macs but someone in my office has asked me this question.

She has a iBook. Her flatmate has a desktop Mac with a Sagem modem and ADSL connection

To get internet acces on both computers, what do each one of them need in terms of hardware / software? Does one of the computers have to be permanently switched on? Can this be avoided? Do they need different ISP accounts?

The more newbie / comprehensive explanatory information would be helpful because I don't know that much about Macs and neither do they!

[Carvahlo]

Also, is there is a comprehensive online guide / mac user website that explains this stuff in more detail?

[[GSV]Trig]

Get an ADSL Router with a built in modem.
Make sure both Mac's have network cards in them.
Setup the router with the ISP information, plug both Mac's into it,
Surf's up...

[Carvahlo]

Get an ADSL Router with a built in modem.
Make sure both Mac's have network cards in them.
Setup the router with the ISP information, plug both Mac's into it,
Surf's up...

Will any router do, or do you have to get the Airport (?) one?
Does the network card on the iBook have to be one of those wireless PCMCIA ones?

[[GSV]Trig]

As its a network device and as such not installed/configured on either machine it doesnt have to be the airport one.

Check the connectivity forum for recommended ADSL Modem/Routers..

If you have wireless networking on both Mac's then Linksys do the WAG54G which gives u 4 port hub/ADSL Modem/Router/Firewall etc.

If you have no network at all and its relatively easy to run cables to both machines then do it via wires, its better than wireless due to security and connectivity issues that you can get with wireless due to walls electricity cables etc.

[bsodmike]

There are a couple ways to set about this.

Method 1:

Buy this:

http://www.speedtouchonline.com/580datasheet.asp

And you got your self a DSL modem/router that is wireless and supports connectivity of wired clients!

Method 2:

http://www.speedtouchonline.com/510datasheet.asp

Get this and an Apple AirPort Express. Of course the cost is now 60 odd + 99 for the APX.