Basically Ethernet card to Modem to satellite dish.. the specs on the cable modem do not say anything about a router, however that doesn't mean that one isn't built in..
The main problem is the configuration set up in Leopard.. it is different from the regular OSx .. even though is is still OSx.. sort of like Vista to XP.. both are windows, Vista is built on XP, but the controls are different and has different functionality in the OS..That is how Leopard is to OSx.
I live over 90 miles away from her so I haven't actually had in person time with the machine..
If it was Windows, all I would have to do is disconnect the Modem and the ethernet cable, unistall the ethernet card.. restart the machine, reinstall the ethernet card, restart the machine, and plug the modem back in and reconnect the cable.. and Windows would Auto Configure for the Satellite connection.. and bam back online..
My sister tried that with Leopard, but the OS did not reset or auto configure the connection..
I'm trying to picture what you're saying, but one thing confuses me- an ethernet card? the iMac is an all in one machine with no card slots- ethernet is standard and built on to the board. Been this way since the iMac was first introduced 10 years ago.
I got a response from one of the forums I check out and got a response from someone I've encountered who seems very knowledgeable. here is what he said:
"What does it show for connection status in the network preference pane?
Is she using ethernet to connect to the satellite modem?
If the company thinks she is connected then they can 'see' her modem so it is likely something at her end but satellite connections can be pretty flaky (latency and weather conditions mostly)."If you would like, you can cut out the middleman and visit the forum yourself at
www.maccast.com. I started the thread in the Network/Internet Stuff forum with the title "Connecting an iMac via satellite?." I think you may have to register to post though.
You're right, the interface has changed for network prefs in Leopard compared to Tiger. the differences are difficult to go over without seeing it for yourself. If you like, for this particular issue or future reference I would be willing to screen share with you using NTCremote or some other remote system to help you get familiarized with the OS, or you could do this with your sister's computer when you get it up and running, since tech support from 90 miles away sure can be a pain.
I have yet to see an issue like this be a matter of drivers being installed properly, it's always been an issue of having the network setting input properly according to the ISP's instructions. You'll need to know what those settings are and walk her through the different panes looking for the issue. In the mean time, if you are trying to navigate the network pane blind, in order to double check the information she has input, here are some screen shots of my network controls for ethernet- the first pic is the network pane, from there is selected "Advanced" (I use leopard, BTW).
Topic: Need OSx help (Read 1762 times)