How to Tell if You Have a Network Interface Card

A network interface card, also called network card or adapter, is a piece of hardware that allows the connection of a computer to the Internet. The network adapter is either an expansion card inserted into a PCI slot or directly integrated into a motherboard. The network connection is achieved either with a cable or using radio frequencies (wireless interfaces).

Instructions

In Windows Vista

1. Click the "Start" button located in the left lower corner of your screen.

2. Click "Control Panel" and then "Hardware and Sound."

3. Scroll down the list of options and find "Device Manager."

4. Click on "View hardware and devices" under "Device Manager" to open a new window.

5. Scroll down the hardware list and click on "Network Adapters." You would see one or several devices if the network card is presented. For example,
   "Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000Base-T controller"
   "Intel Wireless WiFi Link"
   If such a list is empty or there is no "Network Adapters" entry in the device manager, then you do not have the network interface card.

In Windows XP

1. Click the "Start" button located in the left lower corner of your screen.

2. Click "Control Panel" and switch to the "Category" view on the left panel.

3. Click "System" to open the "System properties" window. Select the "Hardware" tab and click on "Device Manager."

4. Scroll down the hardware list and click on "Network Adapters." You would see one or several devices if the network card is presented. For example,
   "Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000Base-T controller"
   "Intel Wireless WiFi Link"
   If such a list is empty or there is no "Network Adapters" entry in the device manager, then you do not have the network interface card.

Resources

• Device Manager: Network Adapters