Upgrade section - Installing a network card

You can easily setup a network at home by purchasing a couple of network cards and a hub or router. Installing the network card is a simple task that most anyone can handle.

Turn the computer off and remove the cover. Just touching the case will discharge any build-up of static electricity. This ESD can damage sensitive components inside, so you want to be sure to touch the case even before removing the new card from the box. Then unplug the power connector from the power supply.

Installing a network card -Find an available slot

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Locate an empty PCI slot and remove the slot cover.

Align the card with the slot and gently press down.

Screw the card in securely.

This installed card will look like this from the back. You’ll want to make sure that the network cable plugs in and clicks. If not, the card may need to be shifted over a bit by loosening the screw and pushing the card slightly, then tightening the screw.

Installing a network card -Install the drivers

Now you can power up and install the drivers. This process varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Connect the cable, if it isn’t already. In XP, you will get a message when a network cable is unplugged and a network icon with a red X will appear on the status bar.

Some useful information for installing a network card

The link light will not light up until the card is plugged into a router or hub. With some cards, this will be immediate once power is applied, with others, the link light won’t come on until the operating system is booted up. Most cards have a traffic light that will flicker once the card is communicating on the network.

Thats it for my installing a network card article. Wirless networks are becoming popular, check back soon for a dedicated section.

More Build/Upgrade articles

Installing a motherboard
Installing a cpu
Installing a cpu fan
Installing memory
Installing a graphics card
Installing a sound card
Installing a network card
Installing a hard drive
Installing floppy disk drives
Installing a cd drive