I'm a fairly new MAC user. I use the Intenal modem connection to connect to the Internet. There is also a built in ethernet option, there is an ethernet port on my Tower. I would like advise on which one to use and how.

Do you have an Ethernet jack in your wall that hooks up to the Internet? If not, using Ethernet isn't going to do you any good. p

I have ordinary telephone jacks that I use to connect to the Internet. Do I have to get my telepho provider to install an ethernet jack? Then do I only have one jack connected or to reach the complete WWW do I have to use both. Additional information will be appreciated.

> Do I have to get my telepho provider to install an ethernet jack? That would be a broadband connection e.g. a cable modem. It depends what services are available in your area and what you're prepared to pay. I have a cable modem which uses the ethernet connection on the Mac, then that connects to the cable service's co-ax (like the TV). Your service provider will advise you and probably send an engineer to get you connected, though it's really simple. If your Mac was in an office you'd just connect via ethernet to the nearest floor socket or whatever. > Then do I only have one jack connected or to reach the complete WWW do I have to use both. Just one or the other.

The built-in ethernet (RJ45 jack) of your mac is for networking purpose. You would use it if you had a local area network (LAN) which mean 2 or more computer connected together in a small area. It can also be used with I speed internet modems which usually connects with a coaxial (standard cable) then connects to your computers' built-in ethernet with a twisted pair cable (CAT5) with an RJ45 (ethernet) jack. Basically, your internal modem will go at 56kbps while the ethernet can go from 10 000kbps to 1 000 000kbps. Of course internet provider will usually limit you speed to and from the internet at 2 000 kbps Max. So if you don't have a high-speed internet connection or LAN, you will use only the internal modem, otherwise, you will use only the ethernet. Good Luck! LikWiD

Thank you for all the info. MNy ISP is AOL and they have broadband in my area but I can only use it on my PC as they don't support MAC yet? So can I attach my PC to an ethernet hub and use it that way and use the ethernet on my MAC? If there is another way of acheiving the above, or even if it is possible could you let me know please.

> they don't support MAC yet Network providers will often say things like that even though AFAIK one ethernet connection is no different to any other. Maybe they supply a setup CD containing Windows software and they don't have a Mac one, or maybe their helpdesk staff don't have Mac training. I bet the connection itself would actually work fine, though whether you want to risk taking a service that isn't supported is up to you of course. Good luck! btw it's Mac (short for Macintosh) not MAC.