New to the wireless world, help...

Question

Ok, i got my first iMac a few days ago... love it btw, just getting use to the change from pc.... anyway, my question.
1: All we have is just a modem right now for the PC downstairs, it's a normal cheap compaq PC, I really wanted wired internet but i don't believe the cable guy will be able to wire from downstairs to upstairs since it's across the house and upstairs, is that possible or not?
2: My mom called the company when we were first getting the internet and she told them we want to connect two computer, the lady on the phone said, we would need 2 modems..... now i heard you can't have 2 modems on the same internet connection.. or can you? if so, that solves my first problem, i can then do wired for my computer.
3: If 1 and 2 fail and i have to go wireless, iMac comes with a wireless card/access point in them right? if so, the down stairs computer, i would need a wireless router and a wireless card for it correct? (there is no wireless card in the cheap compaq) ok well, i would think installing a wireless card would be no problem.. i hope.. if it is hard, any tips?
4: for those who have an xbox 360 and wireless network, does that wireless apdator work good? fast connection and all?

Answer 1

Your cable installer will more then likely run the cabling externally, up an outside wall and into the room where you want the modem.
However, you don't need two modems, and there is no reason to pay the cable company for two accounts. You can use a single account and a single modem, just connect the modem to a wired/wireless router and then plug your computers into the router, problem solved.
As to running the wires upstairs, can't help you with that, since it is to dependent on your homes floor plan. But to give you some common ideas for how to run cabling between floors:
I ideally in a two story structure you want to use the basement or crawl space for distributing networking wiring to the first floor, and the attic to distribute wiring to the second floor. The usual problem is to get wiring from the basement/crawl space to the attic.
1) Use closets, when a closet on the first floor aligns with a closet or unused area on the second floor, they (the closets) make it easy to run cabling between floors.
2) Use utility rooms, laundries, furnace, etc. These rooms like closets usually good choices to use to run cabling between floors.
3) External, when no other method is available, you can run Ethernet cabling rated for outdoor use along the outside of your home to tie the basement and attic together. Usually when run externally, look for a way to run the cable without it being plainly visible. Good choices are at the corners of a house, near drainage pipe or gutter down spots. Penetrating the house can be done via basement window sashes, and attic soffits or vents. You can also drill through the external wall to closets or utility rooms which in the house.
Remember to use outdoor rated cabling, it is resistant to cracking a breaking caused by UV exposure, as well as freeze/that cycles. Using plain Ethernet cabling can lead to having to replace it at a later date as it breaks down from exposure to the elements.
If you live in an area of the country which commonly receives thunderstorms, yo may also wish to have the external cabling connected to a lightning arrester. Good networking stores sell small lightning arresters for Ethernet cabling. You usually won't find these at your local computer store, but a search online should bring up dozens of sources.
Lastly, you can of course run wirelessly to avoid the wired cabling. However, I usually recommend wired networking whenever possible as it provides faster network access and a great deal more security.
Tom N.