SFA's ResNet FAQ #11

How do I install an Ethernet card?

It is recommended the installation be performed by a knowledgeable and experienced computer technician. The method of installation for an Ethernet adapter is dependent upon the type of adapter. However, regardless of the type of system or adapter, this will usually involve physically installing the adapter as the first step. This may require removing the computer's external cover and installing an internal adapter in a desktop system, plugging a cable into a USB port, or installing a PC Card in the PC Card slot on a laptop. Once the hardware is installed, then the software/drivers will have to be installed. On a Windows system the new adapter will typically be detected immediately upon reboot after the adapter has been installed and the system will prompt for the appropriate disks. This is accomplished due to the Plug 'n Play (PnP) feature present on the Windows operating system. However, occasionally an adapter will not be recognized by the system and will require manual installation and configuration of the drivers. All adapters should come with installation instructions and the appropriate system drivers.

Please note that the resident is responsible for the installation and proper operation of any hardware and/or software present on their computer system. The Networking group of SFA's Telecommunication and Networking department cannot provide support for the resident's personal computer equipment and software.

How can I tell if my computer has an Ethernet card installed already?

Refer to question 8 for what to look for on your system to determine if you have a network card installed. Another quick way to check on a Windows machine is to go to the Control Panel and double-click on the System icon (see Figure 11a and 11b). For Windows XP, please note you may have to click the "Switch to Classic View" to find the System icon. (The image below shows Classic View with the option to "Switch to Category View".)

Figure 11a
(Windows 95/98/Me/2000)

Figure 11b
(Windows XP)

After double-clicking the System icon, a System Properties window will open. Select the Device Manager tab. (In Windows 2000 or XP, select the Hardware tab then click the Device Manager button as shown in Figure 11c.) In Device Manger, look for Network Adapters in the list that is displayed. If necessary, click on the "plus" sign beside Network Adapters to see what adapters the group contains. If your computer has a network adapter installed, it should show up in this group. There will typically be a Dial-Up Adapter and perhaps several others. Any Ethernet adapters are usually identified with the word Ethernet (see Figure 11d and 11e).


	11.	How do I install an Ethernet card?

		It is recommended the installation be performed by a knowledgeable and experienced computer technician. The method of installation for an Ethernet adapter is dependent upon the type of adapter. However, regardless of the type of system or adapter, this will usually involve physically installing the adapter as the first step. This may require removing the computer's external cover and installing an internal adapter in a desktop system, plugging a cable into a USB port, or installing a PC Card in the PC Card slot on a laptop. Once the hardware is installed, then the software/drivers will have to be installed. On a Windows system the new adapter will typically be detected immediately upon reboot after the adapter has been installed and the system will prompt for the appropriate disks. This is accomplished due to the Plug 'n Play (PnP) feature present on the Windows operating system. However, occasionally an adapter will not be recognized by the system and will require manual installation and configuration of the drivers. All adapters should come with installation instructions and the appropriate system drivers. Please note that the resident is responsible for the installation and proper operation of any hardware and/or software present on their computer system. The Networking group of SFA's Telecommunication and Networking department cannot provide support for the resident's personal computer equipment and software.

		How can I tell if my computer has an Ethernet card installed already?

		Refer to question 8 for what to look for on your system to determine if you have a network card installed. Another quick way to check on a Windows machine is to go to the Control Panel and double-click on the System icon (see Figure 11a and 11b). For Windows XP, please note you may have to click the "Switch to Classic View" to find the System icon. (The image below shows Classic View with the option to "Switch to Category View".)


	Figure 11c	Figure 11d	Figure 11e

Telecommunications & Networking Dept. Created: June 1, 2001 Last revised: November 30, 2003 Contact: resnet-webmaster@sfasu.edu


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