Dumb Question about wi fi

Would you clarify something? Is the wireless router hooked directly to a cable or DSL modem and is simply sitting next to your wife's PC? That would be the more common configuration.

Assuming that's the case, you can continue connecting additional devices (such as the Squeezebox Touch or another laptop) wirelessly to the router. The Touch could then stream music from your iMac. Note you'd need to install the Squeezeboxserver program on the iMac to provide the stream.

Yes. If the iMac, PC and Touch are all on the same subnet provided by the router, then the Touch will be able to get music from the iMac.

However, as noted before, you'll need to install the Squeezeboxserver software on the iMac. The iMac will need to be turned on and running that software whenever you want the Touch to play music from your collection. (Your iMac does not need to be on to access internet radio on the Touch.)

I'd suggest you check out the discussion groups at forums.slimdevices.com for additional detailed info.

Steve, I gather you are not familiar with the Squeezebox devices?

I have a Touch and use a Linux server on my home network that has six computers (2 Windows & 4 Linux) along with a Roku for video, a Squeezebox Touch, a Squeezebox Duet controller, a Squeezebox SB3, and a DirecTV web connection).They are all on the same subnet provided by my ordinary Belkin router.

There is no need for a separate network for the Touch and whatever computer supplies the music. The only need is the music server needs to run the Squeezeboxserver program. They have Windows, Mac and Linux versions available. File storage format (NTFS, EXT3, HFS+, etc.) is irrelevant.

Airport Express & Extreme use WPA/WPA2 security which is the same used by all other modern wireless devices.

The original poster's question had to do with setting up a streaming network. He's already got a wi-fi network so would assume he's comfortable with wireless security issues. Adding a wi-fi Touch will not make anything worse in this regard.

Isn't it true that the SB Touch only does 24/96 and the SB 3 or SB Classic doesn't go over /48? OP mentioned high rez, so doesn't he need something else?

You are correct about the bit rates for the Touch and SB3, but 24/96 is considered hi-rez and is the most common higher resolution format. Squeezeboxserver can also use SOX to play bit rates higher than 24/96 on the Touch.

I assume the OP has taken his needs into account in considering a Squeezebox.