I will be buying a new Mini in a couple months. Should I use a KVM

[alfredo]

or run the old computer headless and firewire network it.


How would I run a headless Mac on a firewire network.


I heard that attaching a monitor adaptor to the headless computer will fool it into thinking a monitor is attached.

[Captain Angry]

1. What are your plans for each computer?

If you're going to use the old computer on a regular basis, a cheap KVM might be in order.

I have a KVM. I use my Mini for my daily needs. I switch over to my supercomputer for gaming night.

If you are just going to use the current system as storage, there may be better ways to do it, without incurring the expense of powering a whole computer.

[alfredo]

2. I'm going to use it for some older software I still use. I still use a few

OS 9 apps.

The new one will do the day to day stuff, some surfing, light graphics, and text. The play Station is for games.

[Captain Angry]

3. Cool deal.

I think I can make your day...

Do you have the ability to connect this Mac and your new Mac on a normal (non-firewire) network? If so, you should be able to remotely use the old Mac from the new Mini. For free.

http://www.macobserver.com/tip/2006/03/22.1.shtml

http://sourceforge.net/projects/cotvnc

[alfredo]

4. My ethernet is being used by my DSL cable. I do have a bunch of

firewire cables I can use. I would be using my old Mac headless.

[Captain Angry]

5. I'd recommend doing it a little differently.

Get a cheap router. That way, the connection goes from the DSL to the router, and then to your two computers.

Once the computers are on the inside of this network, they can both access the internet, and you could run the old computer in the manner that you're trying to.

It's more secure this way, and you can use all the normal networking techniques, rather than the firewire stuff.

I'll bet you could find a router for $15.00 these days, and maybe for a little more get one that will give you wireless. Your new Mini would be able to run wirelessly, or if you get an iPhone, a notebook, whatever, you'd be all set.

[alfredo]

6. I was thinking wireless, but I wonder about this old machine. It is

seven years old and only takes the original Airport card. Would there be an compatibility problems?

I'll look around for a router. The Linsys works with the Airport card.


This old machine is a G4 Dual 450. AGP (Sawtooth)

[Captain Angry]

7. I wouldn't spend any money on making the old box wireless.

Leave it plugged in.

But if you can score a wireless router, your new Mini will love it.

[alfredo]

8. I will have to go wireless someday soon.

The closest phone line is in the back of the house.

[Captain Angry]

9. Makes sense.

DSL -> Wireless router -> new Mini. You can store the current Mac in the back and just access it remotely.

Way better than a firewire connection.

[alfredo]

10. What's wrong with a FireWire connection?

I could just go with Parallels and run Linux alongside OSX and dump the old machine, forgetting about the old software.

[Captain Angry]

11. Hmm. I've been reading a few things about it now...

And it appears that some of my concerns about it have been fixed. I know normal networks very well. I just don't have enough firewire experience to steer you away from potential issues.

[alfredo]

12. It looks pretty easy

On each Mac, click on Apple Menu – System Preferences – Network
In the Show pop-up menu, click to select Network Port Configurations and click in the checkbox to select Built-in FireWire
Click on Apply Now
Click on Apple Menu – System Preferences – Sharing
Click to highlight Personal File Sharing and click on the Start button