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Question

Help with a Home Network to Put it All Together

May 1, 2011 12:52AM PDT

I've been using a Mac for a number of years but only the very basic stuff - MS Office and the internet Have a single computer, with a couple of user accounts set up. Never even used iTunes to buy anything yet.
So in response to family pressure (and a new house), I want to set up a wireless home network. I envision having 2 Macbooks, a 2-3 iPads and a couple of iPhones.
So I'm looking for a guide or guidance on how to design a home network from scratch. I would want both computers to access some of the same documents, I'd still want user accounts / security even with a centralized server / hard drive, I'd want to be able to access music, pictures, etc. off of all, I'd want to be able to buy a kindle book and read on any of the devices, etc.
So in other words, how do I become a MAC / iPad / iPhone / Network expert rather than by trial and error.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
"I'd want to be able to buy a kindle book and read on any "
May 1, 2011 1:00AM PDT

" I'd want to be able to buy a kindle book and read on any of the devices "

Since I own a Kindle I can offer that the Kindle will not do that. Can you share what article you read that made you think the Kindle had such capability?

As to your network, why not get the newer Apple Time Capsule (old review at http://reviews.cnet.com/network-storage/apple-time-capsule-500gb/4505-3382_7-32818588.html ) and you have your shared storage? I won't duplicate web pages or manuals about setup or security.

Maybe with one new thing, you're done.
Bob

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Answer regarding Kindle
May 1, 2011 5:19AM PDT

I understand (and have seen in version tracker) Kindle Reader software for a Mac and I assume that iPads have something similar. And it may be a different sofware I want in the future - this was just an example of something today that we'd today that we be shared around multiple devices (I might want to read the book off my laptop; my wife on the other hand may prefer reading off an iPad).

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Thanks for clearing that up. But be sure to research more.
May 1, 2011 5:29AM PDT

I have the Kindle app on a droid pad and the sharing is not done via our shared storage. This is not a feature of the Kindle or the Kindle app.

-> OK, my books do show up on both our Kindle and the Kindle app that in authorized to the same account. (Check!)

But here's the down side. It appears that once you do this that machine and app can buy stuff. It's why I couldn't let our son take the Kindle to shool.
Bob

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Forgetting the Kindle - the Home Network?
May 1, 2011 11:06AM PDT

Lets forget the kindle comment as a distraction - my basic question / query remains as to how to design a home network. Can anyone help?

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As to your network, why not get the newer Apple Time Capsule
May 1, 2011 11:11AM PDT

Given this unit you get all that ease of use and control you are after. What I omitted was duplicating all the web content about it.
Bob

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Other solutions
May 18, 2011 7:48AM PDT

Would include purchasing a different brand of NAS, which is what the Time Capsule is. Western Digital markest several, and one is Mac OS formatted. Their Worldbook series.

These all require a hardwired connection to your router so they can be accessed by your internal LAN. I do believe either solution works. You need to look at what is out there and decide which fits your budget and whether you want to learn more about networking.

Other than that, you need a wireless router, probably with a four wired connections. Either the Apple router or, my personal choice, A linksys router.

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Sorry.
May 18, 2011 10:33AM PDT

Are you exiled2tx? If not my replies may not apply to what may be a new discussion.

Maybe you meant to reply to exiled2tx but did so to me.
Bob