Sorry if this is the wrong forum...Mac question

[McKenzie]

I had a quick shifty for the Computer Forum but it seems to have disappeared. Apologies if it's me not looking hard enough.

Anyway, I bought an IMac today - 20 inch screen and dual core 2.0 Ghz Intel CPU (Yes, I know...Intel supplanting Apple's own processors). Beautiful machine and it will be helpful for my work which includes Urban Design. Linux is a pain in the ass so I've gone for a Mac. I want to kick Windblows into touch.

I tried configuring the Mac for the Internet without success. I'm quite a tekky person and understand the difference between TCP/IP and DCHP; I elected to connect using the latter. However, I couldn't get the Mac to open the files on the CD required to install software for a modem that I will then hook up to an Ethernet port - the modem is a Zoom X5 which acts as a router and has a built-in firewall. The Mac reads the file names but won't open them.

The Mac said it couldn't recognise the file type so I'm assuming it is a format configured for Windblows. The Mac opens the .pdf help files so it's not a duff CD. I tried various utilities, on the Mac, to get the CD installer files to run (the setup.exe file was what I tried to open). As I say, the Mac wouldn't recognise the file type.

Does anyone know how to select the appropriate utility to open the files on the CD? I'm embarrassed asking this because my computer skills are pretty good. Problem is I know zip about Macs...a big, fat round ZERO.

I have a feeling I'm gonna have to shell out for another modem unless the one I have will run without dedicated drivers and can be set up manually...sigh.

[suffragette]

1. .exe is a windows file

Have you tried posting this question in the support discussion section on the Apple site? I'm sure you'll get the answer that way.

Edited to add link: http://discussions.apple.com/index.jspa

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. When you get it all figured out, don't use IE

Safari and Firefox are much better browsers for a Mac.

[suffragette]

3. 2nd that

Love tabbed browsing

[SpiralHawk]

11. 3rd it - IE exploreer for mac is all but obsolete

don't bother...

[yewberry]

4. You don't have an internal modem?

I always used the internal modem (and TCP/IP) on my old iMac.

And the .exe file is the problem--mac won't recognize 'em.

[brmdp3123]

5. I doubt that you have to install anything.

Just go to System Prefernecs>Network and be sure that Ethernet is enabled and that TCP/IP is configured to use DHCP. That should do it. Try restarting the computer and/or the DSL modem.

[emulatorloo]

8. Connecting to the internet w your DLS modem -- Apple site

http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/connect/3/

scroll down to

<snip>

Get Online with My Cable or DSL Modem

Typically with broadband service, your ISP will either hook up your cable or DSL modem for you, or they'll provide you with detailed instructions on how to connect and configure the modem for your computer. If you need to do this from scratch, follow these instructions (be sure that you have all your ISP account information handy):



Your cable or DSL modem may automatically configure Ethernet settings for you.
If it doesn't (the IP Address will be blank), use the Network Setup Assistant.
Connect your cable modem to your household coaxial cable or your DSL modem to your phone line, and then connect the modem to your computer's Ethernet port, using a standard Ethernet (RJ-45) cable.
Turn on your modem.
From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences.
In the System Preferences window, click Network to display its preferences.
From the Show pop-up menu, choose Built-in Ethernet.
Click the TCP/IP tab, and choose Using DHCP from the Configure IPv4 pop-up menu.
Some modems will automatically configure your Ethernet settings when you connect your computer. If you see information next to the "IP Address" and "Subnet Mask" sections, you're ready to go—just fire up Safari to browse the web. If you don't see any data, read on.
Click Assist Me. In the dialog that slides down, click Assistant.
The Network Setup Assistant opens to walk you through the setup process. Follow its instructions. When finished, you should be connected online.

<snip>

[suffragette]

6. And BTW OS X has a built-in firewall as well.

Here's some info:
http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/security/

[earth mom]

7. Do you have the Apple Care Plan?

I haven't bought a new Mac in 5+ years (and want a new one in the worst way!) Back then they had the Apple Care Plan for something like 100 bucks or so and you could call and ask questions to your hearts content for what I think was a year or maybe 6 months, can't remember now-sorry. It was well worth the money though I didn't need to use it all that much because Macs have so few problems. I'm pretty sure you can renew after the 1st year. Otherwise ask on the Apple site as recommended upthread.

HTH & Good Luck!

[emulatorloo]

9. I PM'ed you when your thread disappeared - see also my reply above

EOM

[Lydia Leftcoast]

10. I can use my Ethernet cable to plug the Mac into any broadband system

These days most Japanese hotels seem to have broadband in the rooms, so I just take my iBook, a plug adaptor, and an Ethernet cable, and I'm fine. The Mac seems to configure itself to whatever needs to be configured automatically.

[McKenzie]

12. thanks to all who replied

I'll try and sort this out - the replies are helpful and appreciated; not looked at the PM's yet. From what I've seen so far I think I'm going to just LOVE using a Mac.

BTW, one poster said don't use IE. I totally agree with that sentiment. I usually use Opera but some pages don't render properly in the version I use - an old one - 5. Not fully W3C compliant apparently.