I got a new laptop

[JennGranger]

I just got a new powerbook G4, but I can't seem to get on the internet. I have a Cable modem that I am trying to hook it up with should I do it as LAN or cable modem, if I do cable modem, it asks fro my DHCP Client ID, I have no clue what that is, or yo can click I connect using PPPoE, which I also have no idea what it is, so when it asks for the PPPoE service name I don't know what to put (I might not even have it!) and if I do LAN it asks for my IP address (which I know how to find out what it is) my subnet mask (no idea what that is or how to find out what it is) and the Router address (again I have no idea) please help me out on this one! thanks!

[Geeky1]

oooh boy... you won't find a lot of mac people around here, I don't think. I have no idea how to solve your problem (I don't own or use macs), but I'll see if I can get ahold of someone that probably will. :)

[Clutch]

If you connect via PPPoE then you should just be able to create a new connection right? That is how it was when I was on PPPoE before I switched ISP's. There has to be some sort of wizard or something to guide you through this.

[primesuspect]

Okay, whoa.

I can help.

First: Are we talking OS:X or OS 9? Is it brand new, or used?

[JennGranger]

I"m not sure about the os x or os 9 thing, but I'm guessing it is an os x because when I try to install games, it says "classic cannot find a Mac OS 9 system folder on the startup disk to use" that is the other thing that is driving me crazy. I am used to window computers. but this laptop was provided by the school, so I cna't complain.

[primesuspect]

Okay, yes, you're using OS:X

Okay, first of all, don't use any wizards to set up your internet connection. We'll just do it manually.

Go to system preferences, and then Network. What do you see in there?

[JennGranger]

okay, I just talked to my teacher and he said I either had to get a router or call my cable system place and change the thing each time I change computers. Thanbk you so much for trying to help tyhough. Now if only I can figure out why I can't install games....

[primesuspect]

okay, whoa... do you have more than one computer to hook up to the cable modem? You only mentioned the mac.....

If you have multiple computers, then yes, you'll need a router. Fortunately, they can be had for under $60.

You can't install games because you need to get games that work on OS:X. If you have older mac games that only work on OS9 you're out of luck. OS9 and OSX are totally different operating systems.

[JennGranger]

*sigh* well thats just plain stupid! they should make it compadible for both. *mumbles about how its not cool and that she isn't going to buy more games just for that*

[primesuspect]

Well, if that were true, we'd still be using DOS on our PCs. Things change, and OS 9's limits were reached years ago, so it was time for a totally new kernel that could take advantage of modern hardware. Thus, OSX

So anyway, you didn't answer my multiple computer question :D

[JennGranger]

oh ya! sorry about that. ya, I have 2 comp. I'm on my home one right now, a gateway, much easier to understand than a mac. and I guess your right about the games, I just wanted to play You Don't know Jackk and diablo. oh well

[primesuspect]

Okay, you need a router. If you get a router with a built in switch, such as a Linksys BEFSR41 (http://www.linksys.com/Products/product.asp?grid=34&scid=29&prid=561), then you should be ready to go.

[JennGranger]

thanks for all of your help!