How to Install a Network Interface Card in Desktop Computer

Computers installed in a location that offers a network or a broadband connection will need an Ethernet card installed to access the network. For your broadband connection, you must have a network card installed in your computer so that the Internet can identify you by the IP address assigned to your computer's network card.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• LAN cable
• LAN network card and instructions
• Driver disk

1. Turn off the computer and unplug it from the wall outlet. Place the computer on a worktable. Open the computer case by unscrewing the two or four screws located on the back of the computer. The exact number of screws will depend on what kind of case the computer has.

2. Examine the motherboard to find out which types of card slots are open for the installation of the network card. Typically, there are three types of interface slots available on motherboards: ISA, PCA and AGP.

3. Check your network card for which type of slot it requires. Write down some of the information on the network card before installing. Write down the MAC address for this card. Unscrew the screw holding the plate over the unused slot on the motherboard and press the edge connector down in to the empty socket on the motherboard.

4. Press firmly to make sure that the card seats well. Replace the screw to hold the card in place and close the computer case in the reverse order of how you opened it.

5. Plug the computer back into the wall outlet and restart the computer. Wait for Windows to boot and to find the new hardware. If this occurs, then respond to its inquiries for a driver by placing the driver disk in the drive and clicking "Yes."

6. Open the Control Panel and locate the Network Connections icon. Find the network adapter, right click and choose "Properties." Look for the MAC address of the card and compare it with the number taken from the card before installation. They should be the same.

7. Check the services running on this network adapter. You should have the Client for Microsoft Networks and TCP/IP protocol checked and installed. If these are not present, install them at this time.

8. Take the LAN cable and connect one end in the back of the computer. Use the cable socket that is on the back of the network card just installed. Have your IT department configure your workstation for the workgroup your computer is a member of. If you are not joining a workgroup but are accessing the Internet via broadband, follow the instructions from your Internet service provider.

Tips & Warnings

• Always ground yourself before working on a computer, especially inside the case. Any static electricity can discharge and blow a component inside the case.