Internet connection and Ethernet Card?

[WyoJim]

Went to my local Internet Service Provider yesterday and they told me they will wire me up to DSL 256KBPS for free as far as the hook up. BUT I have to have an Ethernet Card in my computer if it don't have one.



I looked in the control panel under network and it lists 3 different Ethernet adapters. Is this what they are talking about when they say cards? Or do I have to install a card? HELP!!

 

[NETim]

Ethernet adapter

Under "control panel" double click on "system". Then on the "hardware" tab under "system properties". Then click on "device manager" . Now that we're finally there, you should see an entry for "network adapters. You should only see one ethernet adapter listed. I seriously doubt if you have more than one, provided one is installed.



You can also look at the back of your PC and look for a wider than normal "phone connection. " This is the RJ-45 jack usually associated with an Ethernet card. It looks just like the RJ-11 phone line connector only a bit wider. Usually two LED's nearby too. One amber, one green.



Most PC's ship with a NIC (Ethernet adapter) installed nowadays. If yours is fairly new (<2 years) it probably has one in it.



Tim

 

[WyoJim]

Tim... . I thank you for your quick reply.



Following your directions to "network adapters", It only lists a dial up adapter.



My ISP will sell me the ethernet card, but they will not install it. Is it so difficult to install that I can't do it?



They say I also need an ADSL modem, but they will bring one with them so if I don't have one they will install it. A used one that has been tested to work for $25 or a new one for around $100. You would recommend?



The computer is an HP Pavillion about 3 years old.

 

[TPCDrafting]

Jim, It sounds like you don't have one. The ol' look and see test would tell you for sure. Like said above, look on the back where everything else is plugged in. If you don't have one, I've got two extras laying around. Not sure what type or if they would work for what you need, but they are NIC's. If you want, PM me your address and I'll overnight it up to ya. No charge, maybe a cold one and some of that famous BBQ next time I'm up that way.



Wait a minute, how can you get DSL and I can't??? You live WAAAYYY more out in the sticks than I do??

 

[TomGolden]

Jim, ethernet cards (almost any add-on card) is very easy to install in a PC. About as easy as an Edge EZ box



Look on the back of your computer where all the cables come out. Look in the area where the monitor cable goes into the back of your PC. It usually plugs into the video card. You'll see a few more slots in the same area, most likely below the video card. As long as you have one unused slot, you can install the ethernet card.



You can buy them from a variety of internet sites for around $25 for a 100 Mb (megabit) card. The new rage is the gigabit cards, but right now, home use doesn't need that. It would be like having a 5 lane driveway to your house. Unless you have 10 people living in your house that all drive and need to come and go at the same moment... it's overkill. Save the $ and get a 100 Mb card.



Some sites to check:



New Egg

formerly googlegear, now ZipZoomFly



Get a name brand card, like Intel or Linksys.



As to the ADSL router. I doubt it makes a difference as to new or used for something like this, as it's a pretty simple thing. Ask if the service provider offers any sort of warranty on the router. If they offer a warranty only with the new one, it might be a good idea to get the new one. I had mine fry a couple years ago during a nasty electrical storm when I was out of town and didn't know it. I called the service provider, they came out and told me they had been out replacing a lot of them in my neighborhood due to the storm. It was covered under their warranty.



Tom

 

[NETim]

NIC install

Piece o' cake. Once you get the covers off the PC, look for an open slot (remove the metal blank on the back side of the PC in line with the slot), plug in the card and power back up. 98% of the time, Windows will have the driver built in, especially if you have ME or later.



If you buy a brand new NIC, it will come with drivers. A new card can be had for next to nothing unless you a real hot rod 3 com NIC. I'd say $15 should get you a good card at Staples or Walmart.



Windows will auto install the card but you'll have to pump in the network IP address along with the netmask and the gateway IP. Your DSL provider should provide all this info though.



I'd be tempted to go with the used unit especially if it came with any kind of warranty. They aren't hard to come by and again, Staples or Office Max has them. You can always get one online as well. About $100 for one like Linksys or Netgear DSL/router unit. You can even get fancy and get a DSL router with built in wireless LAN in it as well. They're nice if you have a laptop and tote it around the house to play on.



Good luck with it. It should be pretty pain free to set up if your ISP is any good at all.



Tim

 

[WyoJim]

For you guys this may be a piece of cake, but for a simpleton like me it gets pretty complicated. But I am going to tackle it and if I hit a wall I guess You know I will holler help.



Tim, My ISP will sell me a card for $20 but your offer is hard to pass up. It Don't have to arrive overnight though because they can not hook me up untill Oct. 10th. You will find my address here.



http://www.mackeycustomhats.com/



You or any of the rest of TDR is welcome to my BBQ any time. But it seems I scoundered myself on BBQ, and haven't done any since June. But all I need is a warning and I will fire up the smoker.



I want to thank you Tim and Tom for your Input, and like I said if I get stuck I will holler. Hey wait a minute, there are two Tim's on here... ... . Thanks!! Everybody!!

 

[NETim]

BBQ in Wyoming? Who woulda thunk it? Do you use that good Nebraska beef?



We bought our Lance just west of Cheyenne in July and loved the drive. Maybe I should head back out that way some time.



You'll be surprised how easy the NIC will install on your PC Jim.



Tim

 

[TPCDrafting]

I was heading to Fed Ex today anyhow. I hope it still works, It's been in a drawer for a few years. If not, just chuck it and get one from your isp.

Nice indirect plug on the hats.