USB Boroadband Modem and iMac G%

Question

Hi can somebody please advise me on the following:
I have an 20 inch iMac G5 fitted with Airport Extreme, Bluetooth and 1256 RAM using the following software: System Software Overview:
System Version:     Mac OS X 10.3.9 (7W98)
Kernel Version:     Darwin 7.9.0
which up to now I have connected to the Internet using the internal Apple Modem. Have now decided to go on to Broadband and my provider, Plusnet, has provided me with a Voyager 105: USB ADSL Modem Since connecting the Voyager I have experience the following problems:
A)     Having been on the Internet when I shut down my iMac G5 after approximately 1 minute I can hear a loud noise coming from the computer that otherwise appears to be shut down. I’m fairly certain this is the hard drive working flat out but it could also be the Fans.
B)      If I disconnect the USB Voyager this does not happen.
C)     If with the Voyager connected I power up the computer and use it without going on the Internet and then shut down this does not happen.
D)     If the Voyager is not connected the iMac G5 works normally.
E)      Having been on the Internet the iMac will not follow the Normal Restart procedure but freezes after shut down.
F)      Having been on the Internet the iMac and shutting down the iMac it will not Startup using the Normal Button at the rear.
My interim solution to these problems is to switch the Power Switch Off at the wall after shutting down but I don’t like having to do this. I understand that there is a compatibility problem with some / or all USB Modems and my iMac G5 / Software. Is there a solution to these problems? Or do I need to change my provider / USB Modem?
I had thought of changing to a Belkin F5D7633 UK 4A ADSL 2 + Modem with 125MBPS Wireless – G Router, this can connected by wireless or by Ethernet.
Iain Jackson

Answer 1

Hello Charles
You may not be aware of this but ISP's have been issuing uk users with usb adsl modems of over 5 years now. In those 5 years they have never worked properly with a Macintosh.
This is not a fault with Mac it is an issue with the drivers that are written for the USB modems.
The solution is to replace the USB modem with an ADSL wifi router. This type of adsl router will be compatible with airport extreme where as your usb modem cannot be used wirelessly.
An adsl router requires no drivers so runs on any platform. It will also give you security as most adsl routers give you a hardware firewall. So yes just change to an ethernet adsl router.