Connecting Your Mac mini to the Internet

For more information on the topics in this section, see Chapter 5.

Do I need broadband to enjoy my Mac mini?

No, but broadband makes the Internet much more enjoyable.

I strongly recommend a broadband connection and a wireless network if you can afford them.

Can I hook up a wireless network myself?

Yesand this is mostly what Chapter 5 is about. (The only reason to set up a wired network is when your Mac mini and PC sit side by side and you have no other computers to connect. In this case, you are sharing the same Internet connection more than creating a home network.)

The best plan is to order cable modem or DSL service and get these running on the PC. Then connect an AirPort Extreme Base Station to your cable or DSL modem instead of the PC.

Now turn on your wireless-equipped Mac mini and run the AirPort Setup Utility. Once your Mac mini is connected to the AirPort Extreme Base Station and seems happy, install an 802.11b USB wireless adapter on the PC and give it the name of your wireless network and its password.

It really should be that simple. You really can do it, even if parts of Chapter 5 might make you think otherwise. Trust me. I'll even give you my e-mail address, in case you need help. It's [e-mail].

Should I replace my current wireless base station?

To use the advanced features of the $129 AirPort Express Base Station, which include printer sharing and the ability to connect powered speakers (or a stereo) and play iTunes music wirelessly throughout the house, I swapped my Microsoft base station for Apple's $199 AirPort Extreme Base Station.

I like the AirPort Express Base Station so much that during the course of writing this book I've purchased three of them.

How far will my wireless network reach?

Typically, a wireless connection works within 50 to 300 feet of a base station, with the connection becoming slower the farther from the base station you are. The distance covered may be 300 feet in an open field, but sometimes it's impossible to get a base station to cover an entire house. Fortunately, AirPort Express Base Stations can be used to extend a wireless network out from the main base station. Read Chapter 5 for details.