PCI cards, Airport cards...help me understand what is what and why?

Question

Help me understand this wireless network "card" hardware stuff.
I have a dual 867 MHz G4 that I want to set up for networking with a PC so that both machines can access the internet (via DSL).
As far as I know, my Mac does not have an airport card of any kind. I'm planning to buy a Lynksys WRT 54G2 wireless router. Do I need to also install an airport card, or PCI card in my G4 to make this all happen? And, if so, what is recommended that will work with my G4?
The guys at the Apple store are telling me that all I need is a wireless router, and don't have to install anything extra, but what I'm reading on these various networking threads, is that just the G4 and a wireless router will not do the trick. After reading lots of threads here, it's sounding like I have to jump through hoops to set up a usable, working network. The Apple guy says that this is easy and basic. I'm thinking that THEY are thinking in terms of a newer machine, maybe? They're all young guys who probably think that nothing goes back farther than the iMac.
One thing the Apple guys were pushing is Airport Extreme, but at $180, I somehow thing I can get there for much less than that.
To make a long story short (hah...too late for that), what exactly do I need as far as a card, router, etc., and where do I get the right stuff (links would be helpful) to set up a Mac/PC network using my old decrepit G4?

Answer 1

Hi-
Networking Macs and PCs
Setup a Home Network
Create a small Ethernet network
MacWireless
Check the above links, and you will be better educated in the basics and requirements of various networks.
The easiest, and least hardware intensive is the Ethernet network. Also, Ethernet is fast.
A note about Airport; you machine only accepts standard 802.11b Airport cards. In a word, very slow.
Airport Extreme, or 802.11g, is much faster, and 802.11n is the fastest available. To get 802.11g or 802.11n in your machine will require a PCI adapter.