Broadband For A Mac

Pav

Can anyone help me by telling me which boradband proveiders i can use with an apple mac

was goign to go with Tiscali but i believe they are not mac compatible

mrJ_5

any provider is Mac compatible - you just need the right equipment to get connected.... I don't think Mac's have a USB port (but then I wouldn't know), so all you need is a router instead which connects via your ethernet/lan/network/rj45 port.... you'll probably need to buy one, but I wouldn't go with Tiscali, and nor would many many other people - just search for them on here, and on other ISP related sites

oranabana

mrJ wrote:

any provider is Mac compatible - you just need the right equipment to get connected....

Thats correct

I don't think Mac's have a USB port (but then I wouldn't know)

All Apple Macs since the original iMac have USB ports, so unless you have a really old Mac (e. e. a beige coloured machine), it will have USB.

so all you need is a router instead which connects via your ethernet/lan/network/rj45 port....

I would also second that. A router is setup via a web browser, which means you can configure everything using Safari or Firefox on the Mac. With USB, you would need some drivers, which are not always available for the Apple Mac (plus a combined ADSL modem/router can be left on, meaning you 'always on' [connected].

Pav

Thanks for your help, now excuse my ignorance but what is a router and where do i get one

mrJ_5

get one from either a web store, or at pc world

a router basically lets you connect to the internet, like a modem (well, a router is a modem) but you connect via the network inteface, and configure via a web browser, and is always on

examples....
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000E0YHF/qid=1148901702/sr=1-3/ref=sr_1_3_3/203-0906017-4737526

at https://www.pcworld.co.uk - click networking > wired networking > wired routers.... and you'll find more


otherwise you should be able to get one from your ISP of choice.... I know zazizam can get you one, as can BT, and probably some others which don't spring to mind just yet

patflanel

DO NOT get a USB modem for use with a mac. They don't work very well and will cause lots of problems. Get a modem/router. Have a look at adslguide.org where they review some modems. Have a look in the forums also. I have 3 macs which are connected through a Netgear DG834g router and I have no problems. Any help you need just let me know and I will do my best to help.

usher8

My usb modem worked fine with my ibook. i used virgin didnt have any probs.

aubreyd

I have a dual core intel mac, and the kit that talktalk send out to connect is not compatible. after numerous phone calls, and promises to get back to me, no one has bothered. can anyone recommend the best way forward?

espresso

Get hold of a simple router. The connection settings (which are on the Talk Talk website) are stored in this and you simply plug in the Ethernet cable.

patflanel

usher8 wrote:

My usb modem worked fine with my ibook. i used virgin didnt have any probs.

Wait for an OS upgrade - it will break. Also USB will struggle to support the sustained transfer which would be required for MAX DSL. It also hogs CPU time and slows down the machine. Get a router they are fairly cheap and won't affect your computer. If you don't believe me go to the mac forum on adlsguide.org and ask the question then sit back and hold on to your hat......:eek:

Stuart_W

The Phone Co-Op provide technical configuration and support help for MAC users - over the phone via 0845 number. Pretty good compared to many others. Taken from their website:

"Do you support Apple MACS?

Yes, we are one of the few ISPs to offer full support. Our technical staff are all MAC-trained."

https://www.phone.coop