AirPort Overview
AirPort is Apple Computer’s wireless networking technology. Two kinds of AirPort hardware products combine to allow you to connect your iMac(s) to the Internet: a “Base Station,” which is a wireless router (or hub) that is a separate piece of hardware that sits outside your computer and an AirPort Card that needs to be installed inside your computer. All current iMac computers support the use of a wireless AirPort network.
The AirPort Base Station allows up to ten computers to connect to the Internet. Both the base station and the card have a range of about 150 feet, and the network can be sustained though floors and walls. So if you have computers in both your first floor den and kitchen and another computer in a bedroom on the second floor, all of these computers can share the Internet connection afforded by the AirPort network. All three computers would need to have an AirPort card installed, and you must have an account with an Internet service provider that is compatible with AirPort.
Installing an AirPort Card in your iMac
If you ordered an AirPort card when you purchased your computer, it will already be installed for you. If you bought an AirPort Card after the fact, you will need to install it using the step-by-step instructions included with the card kit.
Installing the card is a fairly basic procedure that should take you no more than five minutes. You will begin by shutting down the iMac and opening the access door (tip: use a coin). After grounding yourself by touching the metal shield inside the iMac (to discharge any static electricity that could harm your computer), you will then unplug the iMac’s power cord.
If your iMac has a protective cap on the slot where the card is to be placed, you will need to detach the antenna from the rail guide and remove the cap. After connecting the antenna to the AirPort Card you will gently yet securely insert the card sideways into the slot. Secure the iMac access door, reconnect the power cord, and you are done!
Setting up the AirPort Base Station
The AirPort Base Station will come with step-by-step instructions to get you up and started. Basically, you will begin by installing the AirPort software, which comes on the CD included in the base station kit. (Note that if you purchased your iMac with the AirPort card already installed, you will not have a separate CD. Instead, the software will already be on your computer.) Newer (updated) versions of the AirPort software may be available on the Apple website -- it's always a good idea to check.
If you use a cable modem or DSL for your Internet connection, you will plug the cable directly into the AirPort Base Stations Ethernet jack. If you use a dialup connection, you will connect the base station directly to the telephone jack on the wall.
In the Applications folder on your iMac, start the AirPort Setup Assistant. The setup assistant will guide you through the entire process. Among other things, you will be asked to name your base station and whether you want to protect your new wireless network using a password. If you decide not to password protect your system, it will make it easier for the other computers in your home or office to access the network because they won’t have to type a password, but it could also invite strangers nearby to hitchhike on your Internet connection.
Ready, Set, Surf!
Once you have completed the setup assistant, you are ready to surf the net!
