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as your computer audio output doesn't produce enough power, the usual computer speakers come with a built-in amplifier (also called active speakers). same is true for all the iPod accessories/speaker systems out there. your conventional speaker on the other hand doesn't have that (passive speaker).

to use existing passive speakers, you will need to add a separate amplifier between your computer and the speakers. an existing stereo system might do, e.g. if you have an aux input. or you may need to buy a separate amplifier. any amplifier out there should probably do, but you will need to use something that does not produce more power than your speakers can handle.

(the issue with needing a couple of cables and connectors still will apply).

Martin G is correct that you will need some sort of amp if you plan on running standard bookshelf speakers. I would be wary of plugging speakers directly into the headphone output on your computer...it may work, and it might depend on your speakers, but most headphone jacks are not made to drive "passive" speakers (e.g., bookshelf speakers like you might get from best buy).

If the goal is to use regular speakers without having to buy a whole new stereo system, or without having to run wires to your normal stereo, I think the Sonic Impact T-amp ($60 from amazon or partsexpress.com I think) could help.

A Sonic Impact T-Amp is a quite small, possibly even stylish amp that you can run off batteries (no wires!) or from the wall (no wasting batteries!). Seems "underpowered" compared to the huge "8000Watt 10.1 channel!!!" systems, but it is not. I have powered dance parties with one. Again, small enough to hide under or on on a desk. No bigger than an external hard drive. Just plug it into your computer's stereo out with the cord provided, and wire your speakers to the back.

I know I sound like a T-amp salesperson (i'm not), and maybe the goal was not to have to purchase anything, but for $60 you're going to get sound that many say is better than you can get from the run of the mill stereo head units from your typical big box store. It's not expensive, it's small, and you're not paying for anything you don't need (surround sound features, remote, digital inputs, 8 speaker outputs).

One thing you'll need to be conscious of when using an external amp is ground loops. Make sure the amplifier is on the same wall outlet as your computer system and you should be fine.
(Note that you don't always have to have it on the same wall outlet but if you hear a bit of feedback, whine, distortion that you don't think should be there you should try it. Generally it's far more than just a "bit" though.)

Thanks very much for the all good info.

Yes, my goal was to avoid buying a new system after my Denon receiver shorted out (water damage). I also wanted to continue using my very nice Boston speakers, but I didn't realize that my MacBook would require active speakers. Now I know. I haven't decided what to do yet but at least I know what my options are. That's very helpful.

Thanks again for responding. I really appreciate it.

One more comment, to ervington: I just googled the T-amp and can't believe the reviews. Either Sony has engineered the world's biggest hype campaign, or the thing really works. Thanks for telling me about it.