PC, Laptop, iMac - Sharing files wirelessly (Help)

[staceyc]

Hi There,

I'm not too saavy when it comes to networking or anything of the sort but its becoming irritating to work without one. I am a web technologist so I am constantly switching from my PC to my iMac to my laptop at any given minute. I'm not entirely sure when I need or where to start so I was hoping someone could lead me in the right direction. Basically this is what I would like to do:

- have an external harddrive where I store all files I am currently working on. I want to be able to access these files from either my PC, Laptop or iMac at any time without having to switch a cord (so wireless). I also want it to be relatively fast and have some range (ie. Could I be downstairs and access the drive that is located upstairs?)
- Would it be possible to work OFF the drive so I don't have to continually copy and paste the files back and forth. This should be fast as well.
- Space isn't much of a concern - I could live with 80GB or under.

Is what I'm asking even possible? Will one product handle all of this? I have no idea. I've tried researching and I just get confused and one person tells me one thing and then another person tells me something else. I'm back to square one, I'm hoping someone can help me.

Edit: I should probably note that my PC is Windows XP Professional, my laptop is Windows Vista Home Premium and my iMac is OS X x10.4 Tiger
Many thanks in advance! Any help is appreciated

Stacey

[johnwill]

Well, one issue you'll have is you are talking about wireless and fast file sharing. Those don't go together.

You talk about the machines, but what kind of Internet access do you have?

Please supply the following info, exact make and models of the equipment please.

Make and model of the broadband modem.
Make and model of the router.
Connection type, wired or wireless.
If wireless, encryption used, (none, WEP, WPA, or WPA2)