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TICKET ARCHIVE -> Using MiniMac with Powerbook

JerryA - Jan 7, 2006 - 10:36 am

Have a PB G3 and have found no easy way to get on-line wireless - have wireless router on another computer.

Not ready to spend a lot on a new computer, so my question is: Is there a simple way to use the screen and keyboard on my older PB with the MiniMac. That way I can use the airport extreme in the MiniMac.

Thanks

Jerry

bbfoto - Jan 7, 2006 - 10:52 am

You can use internet sharing in the Macmini to share the airport extreme connection with the powerbook over an ethernet cable.

JerryA - Jan 7, 2006 - 10:56 am

Wow - thanks for the quick response.

Is there somewhere on apple.com or other site, that gives step by step instruction of how to set if up and use it?

Jerry

bbfoto - Jan 7, 2006 - 11:20 am

Wanted to get a response from you, if I interpreted what you wanted to be able to do before I told you how to do it.

ALSO, if you already have a DHCP server assigning IP addresses on the 192.168.1.0 subnet, you'll potentially run into major network problems doing this... So do it at your own risk, or get a network admin to take a look at it first.

On the MacMini

go to System Preferences / Sharing
Click on the Internet Tab
Choose Airport in the "Share your internet connection from:" menu.
Choose "Build-In Ethernet" in the "To Computers Using:" menu.
Click Start.
(The line that says "Internet Sharing Off" should change to "Internet Sharing On")

On the PB G3 (assuming OS 9.2.2)
Connect an Ethernet Cable directly to the MacMini & PB G3.
In the TCP/IP control panel.
Choose connect via "Ethernet"
Choose configure "Using DHCP Server"
Close TCP/IP and Save

(not sure if you'll need a crossover cable or not) Does someone else out there know if a Macmini has an auto switching ethernet port like most mac do these days?

You might also need to reboot the PB G3.

Once you've done that, look at your TCP/IP control panel again. did you get an IP address something like 192.168.1.x. If so your're set...

If it is 169.x.x.x you probably do need a crossover cable or a mini hub.

If this crashes your network, IT'S NOT MY FAULT. There could be other variables we're overlooking, me not knowing your entire network setup.

JerryA - Jan 7, 2006 - 11:40 am

Thanks again - do not think there will be network problems according to the network admin.

Let me just rephrase my question - what I want to do is to use the MiniMac (with airport instaled) as my computer to connect wirelessly and just use the screen, mousepad and keyboard of my G3 (with 9.2.2) rather than having to buy a screen, keyboard and mouse.

Thanks again for the quick response.

Jerry

bbfoto - Jan 7, 2006 - 11:50 am

After doing the previous post, you could use ARD, VNC or Timbuktu to remote control the MacMini from the Laptop.

But nothing comes to mind that will connect the keyboard and monitor of a laptop into the MacMini. I'll reopen this to the rest of the pool of techs.

JerryA - Jan 7, 2006 - 11:55 am

Thanks - was hoping for something simple - may be too complicated to do routinely.

Will wait and see if any of the other techs comes up with something or may just have to bite the bullet - was hoping to wait for the new Mac PB with Intel and a period of time to get all the bugs out and new software available.

Again, let me thank you very much

Jerry

ishan - Jan 7, 2006 - 8:10 pm

I don't think there's a simple way to do what you want. I would most definitely wait until January 10 at 1 pm to see what Mr. Jobs has to say. I'm under NDA, but you will be most pleasantly surprised.

JerryA - Jan 10, 2006 - 4:08 pm

Good advice to wait. Any word on which current programs will run on the new system or any web site of list of which are compatible?

ishan - Jan 10, 2006 - 4:41 pm

All current software will run, either because they're universal binaries (i.e., both Intel and OS X) or through emulation via Rosetta. When I get my new PB next month, I can provide more details on the inevitable headaches I'll have...

JerryA - Jan 10, 2006 - 4:58 pm

Thanks - will follow these forums and Mac-L and Macfixit to see when the big headaches become smaller headaches and then jump in.