> 3. The computer is a Mac, short for Macintosh. MAC stands for the Machine > Address built into ethernet support circuitry.
MAC is Media Access Control - a MAC address (AKA hardware address) is indeed the address placed into an Ethernet card/chip, and also some Token Ring adaptors. It's used by machines on an Ethernet or Token Ring networks to identify each other uniquely, and is a globally unique ID. However, 32-bit MAC addresses aren't used on AppleTalk networks, other Token Ring networks, and any other kind of network, making it impossible for one type of network to refer to a machine on any other kind of network (such as when the two networks are connected together) - that's why we have IP (Internet (between networks) Protocol) addresses - a universal way to address machines whatever network each one is one. And yes, it pains me to see Macs called MACs too :P -- StarMax is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... / Buy books, CDs, videos, and more from Amazon.com \ / <http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect-home/lowendmac> \ Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> StarMax list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/starmax.html> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/starmax%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
