
Connecting to a local area network
Connecting to a local area network extends the features of your Macintosh by giving you
access to the services and resources provided on the network. For example, your computer
alone lets you store, retrieve, and modify information on floppy disks, hard disks, and CD-
ROM discs. On a network, however, you can also store and retrieve information on the hard
disks and CD-ROM discs of other computers, access information that other people have
stored for you, use electronic mail, share resources such as printers and modems or other
network services, and access the Internet, if the network has a link to it. (Access to the
Internet over a network may be noticeably faster than access with a modem.)
You can get information about the network you want to connect to from the specialist—
referred to as the “network administrator”—who oversees its operation. Before you begin,
identify your network administrator.
Your computer can be connected to several kinds of networks, including the following:
m LocalTalk: To connect to a LocalTalk network, you connect a LocalTalk cable to the
printer port on your computer.
m Ethernet: To connect to a high-speed Ethernet network, you connect an Ethernet cable
to the Ethernet port on the back of the computer or to a port provided by a PCI-based
Ethernet card that you install in the computer.
m Alternative networks such as 100Base-T, ISDN, or Fiber Distributed Data Interface
(FDDI): To connect to any of these networks, you need a PCI card in one of the PCI slots
in your computer. For instructions on installing PCI cards, see Chapter 3.
This section describes the process for connecting your computer to LocalTalk and
Ethernet networks.
m If your computer is already connected to a network, see Mac OS Help for information
about printing on a networked printer, accessing information on file servers, and sharing
files on your computer with other users. Ask your network administrator for information
about network software for services such as Internet access and electronic mail.
m If you want to set up a network at your location, a book on Macintosh networking will
help you select and plan a network appropriate for your organization. Many books are
available, such as Planning and Managing AppleTalk Networks, an Apple book published
by Addison-Wesley and available at computer bookstores.
Using Your Macintosh and Connecting Additional Equipment 37
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