[Ham-Mac] Help getting started

[Peter Hunter, G0GSZ]

Hi everyone.

I am hoping that some of you will be able to give me some advice and  
help.

I have been away from amateur radio for several years due to caring  
for my late wife full time. I have collected bits of kit over the  
years, and now want to start getting back into radio.

My HF rig is a Kenwood 570D and the computer is an Intel iMac (1.83  
MHz Cor Duo, 17").

I have a Signalink 1+ and want to make use of this to get on all the  
modes. I have also been 'roped in' to the local contest group. So I'm  
working hard at getting my Morse back up to speed.

I also have a Griffin iMic.

The help I need is listed below.

1/ How do I connect the Signalink 1+ to my Mac?

2/ Should I use the supplied lead for the rig connection (RJ45 - 8  
pin DIN) or should I connect via the 570D's RS232 Com port (via a  
RS232 - USB addaptor, already in stock)?

3/ What software is best? I have looked at Multimode. Are there  
others? The main modes that I am interested in are: CW, RTTY and Packet.

4/ The contest group members all use N1MM logging software on their  
Windows PC's. Is there an equivilant for the Mac?

5/ Should I forget all this and use a Widows PC for radio use? I hate  
the thought of this, but if it's the best idea then I can suffer it.

Your help will be very much appreciated.

73 de Peter, G0GSZ