Networking Problem - Very Annoying

[eric2006]

How are the routers configured? Where are the PCs connected? If a router has a firewall, that could be blocking. Are all running DHCP servers? You may want to try OpenDNS, as it sounds like you may have a DNS issue.

[Cam]

Originally Posted by jgarland2

I have an iBook G4 that i got from work to do some work at home but when I try to go on internet explorer it tells me that the specified server could not be found. I have a desktop and two other laptops at home and they all work fine, i just can't get internet service.

Thank you

Since you have more than one computer sharing the internet I am assuming you have a wireless router or a hard wire router.

You need to open the System Preferences and look at the Network, under Network look at TCP/IP tab to find the address. You should have an IP address that is similar to the PC's for you to get out of your local area networt. Example IP would be 192.168.1.x, where x is unique for the mac's and pc's. You probably are not getting an IP address from your router. Most devices that you can purchase to "share" a single internet connection (like cable TV internet) are routers, they create a Local Area Network (LAN) and the LAN has this unique IP address and the router hands these out when the computer tries to connect (DHCP server is the term for this).

In my house with wireless I have to click on the wireless symbol and tell the computer to connect up to my network (or you can use the Network Control Panel). It might be remembering your work router. You might need to hit the "renew DHCP lease" button on the TCP/IP window of the Network control panel to force the router to give you a new valid IP address (both wireless and a direct wire to the router).

You might need to find a manual for the router, or call technical support to help you if you can not figure out how to get the router to provide you with an IP address automtically. I recently had an issue with a new cable modem not recognizing my wireless rounter (cable TV company set up the modem by directly connecting my mac, but then the cable modem would not work with my router). This was only solvable with tech support from the router manufacturer. He forced the cable modem box to recognize my router.

[Satcomer]

Have you read this article. Plus you should bookmark the Apple document "Well Known" TCP and UDP ports used by Apple software products if you are going to some serious Mac networking.

Also if you have a Mac in a Windows sharing environment world you should regular visit MacWindows.com.