How to Install a Wireless Communication Card on a Laptop

With PCMCIA cards, all you have to do is insert a communication card into your laptop, and you can telecommunicate from anywhere in the world.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• PC Communication Card

Installing a Communication Card

1. Open the panel labeled PCMCIA on the left side of the computer.

2. Insert the card into the slot. The edge of the card with the roll of connection holes must go in first. Check the card's markings to determine which side should face up. If the card doesn't have any markings, slide the card in label up.

3. Do not force the card into the slot. If it doesn't go in easily, then you have not inserted it correctly. The card is fully inserted if the Eject button to the right of the slot pops out. Within a few seconds after the card has been inserted, the computer will make a confirmation sound. If there is no sound, then you have turned off the computer's speaker or the basic PCMCIA drivers have not been properly loaded.

Ejecting the Card

4. Press the PCMCIA card Eject button. The card should pop out slightly.

5. Gently slide it out the rest of the way. Within a few seconds the computer will make a sound confirming that the system recognizes that the card has been ejected.

Tips & Warnings

• Some types of PCMCIA cards may require you to install special drivers. These drivers are supplied by the card manufacturer.
• When inserting a PCMCIA card into one of the PCMCIA slots, the computer will go to sleep. This is necessary to maintain a link between the system and the card just inserted.