Connect Mac straight to PC

riccbhard

riccbhard

Tech
I was wondering how I could connect my Mac Mini directly to a PC via a crossover ethernet cable. The PC is running XP Home and has 2 network cards (one is plugged into a cable modem and then other is not connected to anything. internet works.). Is there a way I can make the PC share an internet connection with the Mac?

Thanks in Advance! :cool:
 
with OS X it's quite easy. You should be able to connect the two computers, then go to the Mac's finder/connect menu (command + k) and "Browse". The pc computer should appear in the list. Make sure you know the name/signifying the pc computer so you know what to choose.

Isn't OS X great!

If you got an ethernet router I believe both your pc and mac can use the same internet connection.
 
Internet connection sharing is possible, but you'd be better off buying a cheap router/hub/switch. Messing with connection sharing can be a total pain in the arse. This is especially true considering the differing platforms. You can pick up what you need for as little as $20 at a store, but expect to spend $30 to $40 for a good one.

DLink 4-port router/hub $39

DLink 5-port switch $29

I'd suggest the first one...the hardware based firewall you get with it is worth the extra $10, not to mention the other features which may come in handy (esp. if you ever host a website or sever).
 
Well, when I was ready to connect the mac to the pc (I was literally unplugging the cable from the hub, the one that goes to the Mac.), the PC's internet compleatly drops. Not working at all. Sending hundreds of packets but not recieving one (Windows was never good at internet and networking anyway.). Well I didnt feel like kicking the PC and injuring my foot so I just disconnected everything from that PC, and now the HP Kayak is the internet gateway. Works perfect! :) Windows 2000 seems to be a little better than windows xp with internet for some reason, although you dont have that nice function for lan connections... "Repair".

Origional HP Kayak post: http://macosx.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50428
 
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