Ethernet questions mac to pc

[JustAnotherPCPerson]

I would like to buy a 13 inch macbook pro to use with my windows 7 pc. my windows pc has 1 ethernet jack connected to a modem, no router. modem has 1 ethernet jack.

- can i connect the mac directly to the pc via ethernet cable? i will use an ethernet adapter on the mac
- can i use an ethernet splitter on the pc to connect the modem and mac system?
- when mac's connected, can i use the internet from the pc on the mac?
- when mac's connected, will it see the pc drives or a shared folder?
- when mac's connected, can i transfer files between systems?

Thanks

 

[garirry]

Here's my honest suggestion:

First, I feel like now that you'll have two computers, you NEED a wireless router. My personal suggestion would be an AirPort Express, as it's easy to setup, and I doubt the range needs to be high since you've been using wired-only internet for your PC, being your only online device. You need either the drivers for Windows which you can download online, or if you get your MacBook Pro, you'll be able to configure the device without issue. After this, your MBP will be able to browse the Internet wirelessly and without any annoying adapters, AND you'll still be able to connect your PC (which I assume isn't wireless-ready) to the AirPort through an Ethernet cable.

I will mention however, it seems that you've provided very little about your situation and setup. Are you planning to keep your PC? Is it wireless ready? Do you plan to have any other devices? What country do you live in (I'm asking this because of availability reasons, so I don't want to cause you too much trouble if you live somewhere Apple doesn't sell their stuff in)?

As for your questions:
-Sort of, I've had issues connecting any devices directly from my modem without passing by the router. Not a reliable option.
-I highly discourage it. It'll be better to buy a router anyway at this point.
-Windows does not have an Internet sharing feature, but Mac does, so you could connect your Mac wirelessly to your new router, and have it output Internet to your PC.
-Provided that both computers are connected to the same network (which, once again, I advocate the use of a router for), you will be able to share files, but it'll still be a bit hard to setup.
-See answer above.

Also, if you're planning to buy your MBP new, PLEASE wait until October 27 at the least. They will very likely announce new computers, and the old ones could become cheaper if you still want that one. Hopefully this was not too confusing.

 

[Tech198]

good question.. never tried it on a Mac, but i think it is possible to create ad-hoc network :- (Apple calls it "computer-to-computer")
https://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how-to-create-and-use-an-ad-hoc-network-on-your-mac

 

[RandomKamikaze]

Here's my honest suggestion:

First, I feel like now that you'll have two computers, you NEED a wireless router. My personal suggestion would be an AirPort Express, as it's easy to setup, and I doubt the range needs to be high since you've been using wired-only internet for your PC, being your only online device. You need either the drivers for Windows which you can download online, or if you get your MacBook Pro, you'll be able to configure the device without issue. After this, your MBP will be able to browse the Internet wirelessly and without any annoying adapters, AND you'll still be able to connect your PC (which I assume isn't wireless-ready) to the AirPort through an Ethernet cable.

I will mention however, it seems that you've provided very little about your situation and setup. Are you planning to keep your PC? Is it wireless ready? Do you plan to have any other devices? What country do you live in (I'm asking this because of availability reasons, so I don't want to cause you too much trouble if you live somewhere Apple doesn't sell their stuff in)?

As for your questions:
-Sort of, I've had issues connecting any devices directly from my modem without passing by the router. Not a reliable option.
-I highly discourage it. It'll be better to buy a router anyway at this point.
-Windows does not have an Internet sharing feature, but Mac does, so you could connect your Mac wirelessly to your new router, and have it output Internet to your PC.
-Provided that both computers are connected to the same network (which, once again, I advocate the use of a router for), you will be able to share files, but it'll still be a bit hard to setup.
-See answer above.

Also, if you're planning to buy your MBP new, PLEASE wait until October 27 at the least. They will very likely announce new computers, and the old ones could become cheaper if you still want that one. Hopefully this was not too confusing.

Sure it does: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/turn-windows-wifi-hotspot-share-internet-connection/

Also, I would second getting a Wireless Router, or replacing your current modem with a combined Wireless modem and router built in one

 

[dwig]

I would like to buy a 13 inch macbook pro to use with my windows 7 pc. my windows pc has 1 ethernet jack connected to a modem, no router. modem has 1 ethernet jack.

- can i connect the mac directly to the pc via ethernet cable? i will use an ethernet adapter on the mac

Yes but...you'll have to disconnect the modem from the PC since it has only only one jack and you'll need to use a "crossover cable" rather than a standard cable. There are better ways.

- can i use an ethernet splitter on the pc to connect the modem and mac system?

No, "splitters" don't work for this. Splitters with logic are "switches", but they can't properly deal with the modem and the internet data routing. That is a job for Super Man (read: a Router).

- when mac's connected, can i use the internet from the pc on the mac?

If the connections are done using a "router" (read: hybrid device containing a Router and a Switch and sometimes a WiFi Access Point.)

- when mac's connected, will it see the pc drives or a shared folder?

If using a router and iff (if and only if) the networking services on both machines are configured properly the yes you can.

- when mac's connected, can i transfer files between systems?

Yes, iff networking is properly configured on both machines.

Basically, do as others have said, "get a router", and preferably one that includes WiFi Access Point functionality. These will connect to your existing modem and will provide multiple (typically 3-4) Ethernet jacks for wired connection and, if present, WiFi (wireless Ethernet) connectivity. They can provide an extra layer of security as well.

My home network currently supports one MacBook, 2 Win notebooks, 1 Win desktop, 1 Win tablet, 1 Kindle, 1 wire connected printer, 2 WiFi connected printers, and one WiFi connected high speed document scanner (not counting USB connected devices). I've had to add an additional Switch to

 

[chown33]

Exactly what make and model of modem do you have?

It's possible that the modem has a router builtin, and all that's needed is an Ethernet switch or hub.

 

[JustAnotherPCPerson]

AirPort Express

Ok, I've added it to the need list. I don't know anything about networking so this looks ok.

Are you planning to keep your PC? Is it wireless ready? Do you plan to have any other devices? What country do you live in

Keep PC - yes.
PC wireless ready? No, don't think so. I would connect it directly to the Airport Express.
Other devices - no.
Country - canada.

PLEASE wait until October 27 at the least

Yep, planning to get it black friday. This is all research at the moment.
[doublepost=1477367349][/doublepost]

you'll need to use a "crossover cable" rather than a standard cable. There are better ways.

From what I see about the Airport Express, it will do this.
[doublepost=1477367447][/doublepost]

Exactly what make and model of modem do you have?

DCM475

 

[chown33]

DCM475

The user manual for a Thomson DCM475 states that to connect two or more computers, you need to add a hub or switch. It doesn't say you need to add a router.

 

[garirry]

The user manual for a Thomson DCM475 states that to connect two or more computers, you need to add a hub or switch. It doesn't say you need to add a router.

A router is still a better choice nowadays.

 

[dwig]

The user manual for a Thomson DCM475 states that to connect two or more computers, you need to add a hub or switch. It doesn't say you need to add a router.

That's quite correct as far as it goes. If the only thing you need to do is to connect 2 computers then all you need is a Hub or Switch, preferably the latter.

If you want to connect any network to an internet modem (DSL or Cable) then you need a real Router. Most things sold today under the name "router" are really a mashup of a real Router and a Switch and therefore will provide both functions. Many (most?) also contain a WiFi Access Point as well.