Connect PCs to iMac wirelessly - novice here

Can you point me to information on how to setup a home network using my connected (via cable provider) iMac? I want 2 Windows PCs with wireless cards to connect to my iMac (via the built-in airport extreme in the iMac) and would like to do so with both firewall and wireless security enabled.
My first question is will the iMac do this without a separate wireless router (e.g. Linksys)?
My second question is where can I find the steps showing me how - I admittedly get lost in network names, WEP keys, etc.

This site is awsome in walking you through a network setup. http://www.ifelix.co.uk/tech/3020.html

Similar Messages

I can print from my iMac wirelessly but here lately I can no longer print from my iPhones nor iPads on the same printer

Just recently I was able to print from all of my devices now the only one that prints wirelessly is the iMac the iphones & ipads say no air printer is found how can that be if the iMac is air printing?

Hello, Carternite.
Thank you for visiting Apple Support Communities.
Here are some troubleshooting steps that I would recommend going through when experiencing this issue.
For best results
Verify that your iOS device is using the latest version of iOS available and that the app you're printing from isup to date.
Make sure that your AirPrint printer has the latest firmware version installed. Check your printer's documentation or contact the printer vendor for more information. A firmware update may be available, even if you just bought your printer.
AirPrint printers connected to Wi-Fi networks work with iOS. AirPrint printers connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet networks work with OS X.
Wi-Fi capable AirPrint printers must be connected to the same home Wi-Fi network as your iOS device or Mac.
If you are unable to print
Check these things if you are unable to print, or if you see the message "No AirPrint Printers Found":
Make sure your printer has paper, and enough ink or toner installed.
Make sure your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iOS device.
Make sure your printer has power and is turned on. Try turning your printer off and then back on again to see if it resolves your issue.
Check to see if your printer has any error lights or indicators displayed on the printer's control panel. Check the documentation that came with your printer to clear any errors displayed.
Check with your printer's manufacturer to see if any firmware updates are available for your printer.
Notes:
AirPrint printers connected to the USB port of an Apple AirPort Base Station or AirPort Time Capsule are not supported with AirPrint.
Some Wi-Fi AirPrint printers can take several minutes to join a Wi-Fi network after being turned on. Make sure that your AirPrint printer is connected to your Wi-Fi network before attempting to print.
Important: Printers not listed in this article are not supported by AirPrint. To search for an AirPrint printer model, use the Find feature of your web browser (usually Command-F) to search the list below.
About AirPrint
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4356
Cheers,
Jason H.

Wireless novice here...CAn you tell me which product I need to purchase

Hi we are setting up our home wireless network. My hubby has a PC laptop for work. We just installed a wireless network via Comcast high speed. I was told I need to purchase "airport" for my Mac. Exactly which products do I need to purchase in order to receive a wireless internet connection on my Mac?
Any assistance is greatly appreciated. Any other tips to make this as effortless as possible are appreciated. I have been trying to estblish a wireless internet connection for months-eyes seem to glaze over when I mention that I have a Mac.
Thank you,
imac g5 Mac OS X (10.4.7) Wireless internet conncection needed
imac g5 Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Exactly which products do I need to purchase in order to receive a wireless internet connection on my Mac?
Depending on the model of your iMac G5, it is either AirPort Extreme ready or it already has AirPort Extreme built-in.
Models that are AirPort Extreme ready: M9248LL/A, M9249LL/A & M9250LL/A
Models with AirPort Extreme built-in (after May 2005): M9843, M9844, M9845, MA063LL/A, & MA064LL/A
If you have one of the earlier iMac G5 models, checkout the following Apple article on how to install the AirPort Extreme card.

Connecting PC to Imac wireless via ethernet

I have an Imac connected to the internet via wifi and I want to share that ethernet connection with a PC via the ethernet
I have static address on the ethernet port and can ping find until I enable sharing, then I lose my ethernet connection.the
I have the PC router address pointed to the local mac internet address.
Thanks
Russ

These are Apples instructions OS X Mavericks: Share your Internet connection
i think the sharing option supplies the IP address so I would set up the clients for DHCP and let the sharing option set the IP for the Ethernet. If you have set up static routes on the PC you may need to remove them.

How do I connect a Lexmark x6570 printer to my iMac wirelessly? The basic user guides are not helping me and the add printer is not finding my printer...

How do you connect a lexmark x6570 printer to an iMac wirelessly? The basic user manuals are not helpful as the printer is not showing up when using the add printer function. I my printer is working fine wirelessly with my windows laptop so it appears to be functioning fine. This is my first time using an Apple at home...
Thank you.

Hello,
I am using a Mac with this router. Any ideas how I can set it up to print wireless. Im not a tech person so this gets confusing for me sometimes.
Thanks!

TS1398 I can no longer connect to my home wireless on my ipad2, have done all the suggested fixes, still cannot connect. Daughter cannot connect her iPod, but husbands laptop is connected to wireless.

All of a sudden my ipad will not connect to our home wireless. I have reset the wireless settings, turned my ipad off and back on, turned off wireless and back on, basically have done all of the fixes suggested and still I cannot connect. My daughter cannot connect her iPod either, but my husbands laptop can and is connected to our wireless. The wireless is working and until two days ago I had no problems connecting.

Some things to try first:
1. Turn Off your iPad. Then turn Off (disconnect power cord for 30 seconds or longer) the wireless router & then back On. Now boot your iPad. Hopefully it will see the WiFi.
2. Go to Settings>Wi-Fi and turn Off. Then while at Settings>Wi-Fi, turn back On and chose a Network.
3. Change the channel on your wireless router (Auto or Channel 6 is best). Instructions at http://macintoshhowto.com/advanced/how-to-get-a-good-range-on-your-wireless-netw ork.html
4. Go into your router security settings and change from WEP to WPA with AES.
5. Renew IP Address: (especially if you are droping internet connection)
    •    Launch Settings app
    •    Tap on Wi-Fi
    •    Tap on the blue arrow of the Wi-Fi network that you connect to from the list
    •    In the window that opens, tap on the Renew Lease button
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
iOS 6 Wifi Problems/Fixes
Fix For iOS 6 WiFi Problems?
http://tabletcrunch.com/2012/09/27/fix-ios-6-wifi-problems/
Did iOS 6 Screw Your Wi-Fi? Here’s How to Fix It
http://gizmodo.com/5944761/does-ios-6-have-a-wi+fi-bug
How To Fix Wi-Fi Connectivity Issue After Upgrading To iOS 6
http://www.iphonehacks.com/2012/09/fix-wi-fi-connectivity-issue-after-upgrading- to-ios-6.html
iOS 6 iPad 3 wi-fi "connection fix" for netgear router
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsWS4ha-dn0
Apple's iOS 6 Wi-Fi problems
http://www.zdnet.com/apples-ios-6-wi-fi-problems-linger-on-7000004799/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Look at iOS Troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks and connections http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1398
iPad: Issues connecting to Wi-Fi networks http://support.apple.com/kb/ts3304
WiFi Connecting/Troubleshooting http://www.apple.com/support/ipad/wifi/
How to Fix: My iPad Won't Connect to WiFi
http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/ss/How-To-Fix-My-Ipad-Wont-Connect -To-Wi-Fi.htm
iOS: Connecting to the Internet http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1695
iOS: Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4199
How to Quickly Fix iPad 3 Wi-Fi Reception Problems
http://osxdaily.com/2012/03/21/fix-new-ipad-3-wi-fi-reception-problems/
iPad Wi-Fi Problems: Comprehensive List of Fixes
http://appletoolbox.com/2010/04/ipad-wi-fi-problems-comprehensive-list-of-fixes/
Fix iPad Wifi Connection and Signal Issues http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwWtIG5jUxE
Fix Slow WiFi Issue https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2398063?start=60&tstart=0
How To Fix iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch Wi-Fi Connectivity Issue http://tinyurl.com/7nvxbmz
Unable to Connect After iOS Update - saw this solution on another post.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4010130
Note - When troubleshooting wifi connection problems, don't hold your iPad by hand. There have been a few reports that holding the iPad by hand, seems to attenuate the wifi signal.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If any of the above solutions work, please post back what solved your problem. It will help others with the same problem.
 Cheers, Tom

My wireless keyboard no longer connects with my iMac since changing the batteries. It now shows as not connected, not paired and not configured. A friend recently connected his iPad to the iMac and since then the problem started. Any ideas to resolve this

My wireless keyboard no longer connects with my iMac since changing the batteries. It now shows as not connected, not paired and not configured. A friend recently connected his iPad to the iMac and since then the problem started. Any ideas to resolve this?

a friend told me that he wants my os x cd for my macbook pro to upgrade his imac.
The discs that come with your Mac are "machine specfic" and cannot be used on another Mac.

Can't connect to iMac wirelessly from Windows XP laptop

I am trying to connect my laptop with Windows XP wirelessly to my iMac for internet access.
I am able to connect to my iMac with my iPhone, iPod touch and another friends iPhone, and I have access without any issues. (Of course!)
I have deleted out the wireless accounts completely in the PC and rebooted. Tried again, and the PC sees my iMac's SSID. I click on connect and I input the network key as I have it set for WEP security. It takes a while to try to connect then it seems to time out.
On my iMac I have internet and file sharing enabled. I have also enabled Share files and folders using SMB (Windows).
I know that the PC is also able to connect to open networks without security.
My iMac is plugged into the modem, and I am using Airport for the wireless access point. I have unplugged the modem and let it sit for a few minutes then plugged it back in along with a restart.
I have tried to find information reading through various forums but the answer is eluding me. Help or a nudge in the right direction would truly be appreciated!

Welcome to the Apple DIscussions!
If the other wireless devices have no issues connecting wirelessly to your Mac's shared internet connection then it is most likely configured it properly, so the issue would be with the PC's configuration.
Have you tested the network without security? Does the PC connect and have access to the internet? If so then you may be using a WEP key that the PC cannot use. Non-Apple devices need a 5 character password for a 40 bit WEP key and a 13 character password for a 128 bit WEP key. Those instructions show in AirPort Options of the Sys Prefs/Sharing pane when you configure Internet sharing from Ethernet to AirPort.
Dah•veed

My iMac does not connect to internet via wireless after I log in. I have to open network preferences and run the assistant everytime to make it work. Its a new system, updated to Mountain Lion,.

My iMac does not connect to internet via wireless after I log in. I have to open network preferences and run the assistant everytime to make it work. Its a new system, updated to Mountain Lion,.

Hi, this has worked for a few...
Make a New Location, Using network locations in Mac OS X ...
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2712
10.7…
System Preferences>Network, top of window>Locations>Edit Locations, little plus icon, give it a name.
10.5.x/10.6.x/10.7.x instructions...
System Preferences>Network, click on the little gear at the bottom next to the + & - icons, (unlock lock first if locked), choose Set Service Order.
The interface that connects to the Internet should be dragged to the top of the list.
Instead of joining your Network from the list, click the WiFi icon at the top, and click join other network. Fill in everything as needed.
For 10.5/10.6, System Preferences>Network, unlock the lock if need be, highlight the Interface you use to connect to Internet, click on the advanced button, click on the DNS tab, click on the little plus icon, then add these numbers...
208.67.222.222
208.67.220.220
Click OK.
Also, turn off IPv6:
System Preferences » Network » AirPort » TCP/IP tab » Configure IPv6
Or whatever Interface you use.

Airport express connection to existing DLink wireless network & old iMac

I have an old iMac (G4 800 mhz). I don't want to buy an old Airport card -- would rather connect to my existing wireless (DLink) network with an Airport Express. Is this possible? Can I go from my cable modem to my DLink wireless router to an Airport Express AND from the Airport Express to my old iMac with an 10/100 Base T Ethernet connection? Essentially will the Airport Express act like an external Airport card? Thanks for any help you can provide... gmosfd
iMac G4 800 mhz Mac OS X (10.4.3)

I bought the old version Airport on line -- the new one will not work with this model of iMac, bummer!

Issues with connecting iMac wirelessly to a Netgear router

The iMac in question being a 2.66GHz model bought in August 2009 running OSX 10.6.6, and the Netgear Router being a DG834GT. The iMac is being exceptionally temperamental when it comes to connecting to the wireless network. Strangely enough there are times when it will connect fine, but most of the time it will either connect for a minute or so and then drop, or just not connect. When the latter happens it seems like it is giving a different error message every time, sometimes saying that a preferred network isn't available, sometimes saying that the password is wrong (when it isn't), sometimes that the ISP has failed (ISP is Orange) and so on. Even when it says it is connected Safari then seems to think it isn't.
We also have a MacBook Pro, an Xbox 360 and two Windows based laptops that have all never had a problem connecting to this router wirelessly. Yet the iMac, the most recent piece of technology by far, just can't seem to stomach it.
Is there something that can be fundamentally changed with the wireless settings that will fix this? Or, in fact, anything that will fix this?

Unfortunately we are already using WPA (which my MacBook Pro has no problems with), so nothing to change there.
Interestingly we have just called up Apple to see if they have any ideas for a quick fix, and they suggested wiring it up, which should somehow fix the wireless aspect of it as well. So after carefully moving the iMac and stringing some wires into fairly dangerous positions, it is now wired up. However, upon disconnecting the wire it worked for all of thirty seconds wirelessly before cutting out again. However, I do recall in my mind something about connecting a Mac via a wire first and then fiddling with something to help it work wirelessly? I don't know what that is though, so suggestions are appreciated.
In the very short term connecting it via a wire works, but really a solution needs to be found asap. If the wireless issue can't be sorted I expect I will have to invest in a very long ethernet cable and run it from the router to the iMac, which whilst obviously not ideal is certainly possible.

Connect Imac wirelessly with Xbox 360

I've got the Wireless Networking Adaptor for the Xbox 360 but I need my Network Settings to connect to my Imac.
The instruction books says I need the following:
Workgroup Name
802.11g/b Network
Wireless Network Name(SSID)
802.11a/b Network
Wireless Network Name(SSID)
Wireless Security Setting
Where on earth do I find these?
Thanks in advance

Duane:"In the AirPort discussion area it has became clear that this does not work. OS X's Internet Sharing does not properly support the Xbox's attempt to connect to an on-line gaming network."
Sorry,that is complete rubbish.I eventually worked out all i needed was my WEP key found on router and within 5 minutes I was connected to XBox Live an working like a dream.Also added Connect 360 so I can view my movies.photos and my music transferred wirellessly from my IMAC to my TV via my Xbox.
FANTASTIC!

I am trying to connect my new iMac to my Buffalo router. I forgot my router password, so I reset it and it is working. I can't figure out how to reset my router password and lock it on my iMac.

I am connecting my new iMac to my Buffalo router. I forgot my router password so I pushed the reset button and my computer was able to connect. The problem is, I can't figure out how to set my new password and lock the router. I went to the Buffalo website and downloaded the CD, as I can't find that either. I can't open any of it because it says it is Windows and can't open it. I am new to Apple!

kellyfromdanville wrote:
I am new to Apple!
Ah, new to routers too.
Perhaps it's best to have a local computer support person come set you up?
To explain everything would require writing a book here.
But this is what you want basically.
Router, new Wireless N, firmware updated.
1: Two accounts, one admin, one guest Internet access. Random +30 plus character lenght passwords each preferred.
(guest password to max password length of any iDevices)
2: Encryption: WPA2 AES. No Ping. No remote access. No MAC filtering. Visible.
3: Guest access on devices and computers only. Passwords written down and stored.
4: OpenDNS preferred but not mandatory.
If you get OpenDNS, you can log into their website for free and set parental controls on things like inappropriate sites for children. So whatever device is used on your network can't access a large portion of those sites (nothing is perfect) by most users who are not technical oriented.
What your doing now is running the bare bones unsecure router which can be used harmfully against you.
Even a Apple Airport router has to be very well secured. The defautl cd and out of the box setup is not a secure solution.

I have 2 imac computers and here are my questions: first, how to I transfer the information from my contact directory from my old imac into my new imac and once the information is transfered how can I print it? Second: I have a large music collection in m

have 2 imac computers and here are my questions: first, how to I transfer the information from my contact directory from my old imac into my new imac? Once the information is transfered how can I print it? Second: I have a large music collection in my old Imac computer how do I transfer this information to my new computer? Also how can I share this information with other computers at home?

I think you may find helpful information here:
A Basic Guide for Migrating to Intel-Macs
The Knowledgebase article Intel-based Mac: Some migrated applications may need to be updated refers to methods of dealing with migrating from PowerPC chips to Intel with the Migration Assistant safely. The authors of this tip have not had a chance to verify this works in all instances, or that it avoids the 10.6.1 and earlier Guest Account bug that caused account information to get deleted upon use of the Migration/Setup Assistant. However, a well backed up source that includes at least two backups of all the data that are not connected to your machine will help you avoid potential issues, should they arise. In event it does not work, follow the steps below.
If you are migrating a PowerPC system (G3, G4, or G5) to an Intel-Mac be careful what you migrate. Keep in mind that some items that may get transferred will not work on Intel machines and may end up causing your computer's operating system to malfunction.
Rosetta supports "software that runs on the PowerPC G3, G4, or G5 processor that are built for Mac OS X". This excludes the items that are not universal binaries or simply will not work in Rosetta:
Classic Environment, and subsequently any Mac OS 9 or earlier applications
Screensavers written for the PowerPC System Preference add-ons
All Unsanity Haxies Browser and other plug-ins
Contextual Menu Items
Applications which specifically require the PowerPC G5 Kernel extensions
Java applications with JNI (PowerPC) libraries
See also What Can Be Translated by Rosetta.
In addition to the above you could also have problems with migrated cache files and/or cache files containing code that is incompatible.
If you migrate a user folder that contains any of these items, you may find that your Intel-Mac is malfunctioning. It would be wise to take care when migrating your systems from a PowerPC platform to an Intel-Mac platform to assure that you do not migrate these incompatible items.
If you have problems with applications not working, then completely uninstall said application and reinstall it from scratch. Take great care with Java applications and Java-based Peer-to-Peer applications. Many Java apps will not work on Intel-Macs as they are currently compiled. As of this time Limewire, Cabos, and Acquisition are available as universal binaries. Do not install browser plug-ins such as Flash or Shockwave from downloaded installers unless they are universal binaries. The version of OS X installed on your Intel-Mac comes with special compatible versions of Flash and Shockwave plug-ins for use with your browser.
The same problem will exist for any hardware drivers such as mouse software unless the drivers have been compiled as universal binaries. For third-party mice the current choices are USB Overdrive or SteerMouse. Contact the developer or manufacturer of your third-party mouse software to find out when a universal binary version will be available.
Also be careful with some backup utilities and third-party disk repair utilities. Disk Warrior, TechTool Pro , SuperDuper , and Drive Genius work properly on Intel-Macs with Leopard. The same caution may apply to the many "maintenance" utilities that have not yet been converted to universal binaries. Leopard Cache Cleaner, Onyx, TinkerTool System, and Cocktail are now compatible with Leopard.
Before migrating or installing software on your Intel-Mac check MacFixit's Rosetta Compatibility Index.
Additional links that will be helpful to new Intel-Mac users:
Intel In Macs
Apple Guide to Universal Applications
MacInTouch List of Compatible Universal Binaries
MacInTouch List of Rosetta Compatible Applications
MacUpdate List of Intel-Compatible Software
Transferring data with Setup Assistant - Migration Assistant FAQ
Because Migration Assistant isn't the ideal way to migrate from PowerPC to Intel Macs, using Target Disk Mode, copying the critical contents to CD and DVD, an external hard drive, or networking will work better when moving from PowerPC to Intel Macs. The initial section below discusses Target Disk Mode. It is then followed by a section which discusses networking with Macs that lack Firewire.
If both computers support the use of Firewire then you can use the following instructions:
1. Repair the hard drive and permissions using Disk Utility.
2. Backup your data. This is vitally important in case you make a mistake or there's some other problem.
3. Connect a Firewire cable between your old Mac and your new Intel Mac.
4. Startup your old Mac in Transferring files between two computers using FireWire.
5. Startup your new Mac for the first time, go through the setup and registration screens, but do NOT migrate data over. Get to your desktop on the new Mac without migrating any new data over.
If you are not able to use a Firewire connection (for example you have a Late 2008 MacBook that only supports USB:)
1. Set up a local home network: Creating a small Ethernet Network.
2. If you have a MacBook Air or Late 2008 MacBook see the following:
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) and MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)- What to do if migration is unsuccessful;
MacBook Air- Migration Tips and Tricks;
MacBook Air- Remote Disc, Migration, or Remote Install Mac OS X and wireless 802.11n networks.
Copy the following items from your old Mac to the new Mac:
In your /Home/ folder: Documents, Movies, Music, Pictures, and Sites folders.
In your /Home/Library/ folder:
/Home/Library/Application Support/AddressBook (copy the whole folder) /Home/Library/Application Support/iCal (copy the whole folder)
Also in /Home/Library/Application Support (copy whatever else you need including folders for any third-party applications)
/Home/Library/Keychains (copy the whole folder) /Home/Library/Mail (copy the whole folder) /Home/Library/Preferences/ (copy the whole folder) /Home /Library/Calendars (copy the whole folder) /Home /Library/iTunes (copy the whole folder) /Home /Library/Safari (copy the whole folder)
If you want cookies:
/Home/Library/Cookies/Cookies.plist /Home/Library/Application Support/WebFoundation/HTTPCookies.plist
For Entourage users:
Entourage is in /Home/Documents/Microsoft User Data Also in /Home/Library/Preferences/Microsoft.
Credit goes to Macjack for this information.
If you need to transfer data for other applications please ask the vendor or ask in the Discussions where specific applications store their data.
5. Once you have transferred what you need restart the new Mac and test to make sure the contents are there for each of the applications.
Written by Kappy with additional contributions from a brody.Revised 5/21/2011

Can't see shares between Windows XP PCs and iMac

I have an Intel iMac running 10.4.9. I have 2 Windows XP-based PCs. One Windows PC and the iMac are connected wirelessly. The other Windows PC is on wired Ethernet. On both the Windows PCs and iMac the firewalls are disabled. The machines are on the same IP subnet (192.168.2.x)
Windows file sharing is turned on via the Mac's System Preferences. In addition, I've created an SMB share to another volume using SharePoints. I also set the SMB workgroup of the of the machines to a common name. Likewise, I have shared directories on both Windows PCs.
My problem is that I can't access the shares on the iMac from the Windows PCs and vice versa. The Windows PCs can see each others' shares.
One thing I've noticed is that I can't ping the iMac from a Windows PC, but I'm not sure if that service is normally running on the iMac. I can ping both of the Windows PCs from the iMac. I can see the computername of the iMac in the Windows Network list of workgroup computers, but when I click on it, I get a message that it's not accessible and that the network path was not found. I don't see the Windows PC's workgroup in the Mac's Network browser via the Finder at all. I also can't connect using the "Connect to Server command" and directly entering the IP address as "smb://192.168.2.2/sharename" I just get the "Connecting..." window and the candycane progress bar indefinitely.
This all worked at one point with a previous router, but I didn't use any sharing for a month or two and switched routers. But basically the network's config is the same.
Any ideas how to get sharing working in either direction?
Thanks,
Judd
Message was edited by: jvolino
Message was edited by: jvolino

Well I've double checked and under the Sharing preference, if I click on the Firewall option (tab), it says "Firewall Off" with a "Start" button below it. I also tried turning it on (with the various services that I want to enable checked in the list below it) and turning it back off. Same result: I can see the iMac in the Windows network neighborhood (and the iMac's iTunes shared library name in iTunes) but if I try to access the share or the iTunes library, the Windows PC fails to connect.
Is there some command I can issue in Terminal to better see what state the firewall is in?
Yes, I have a wireless router, through which the Windows PC and iMac are connecting.
Thanks,
Judd

Connect PCs to iMac wirelessly - novice here

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