Installing Lan And Wireless Connection Programs Options

[info_nut]

i have an older computer and would like to update the connection avaliability to lan or wireless is that possible to install new hardware and if so were and how do i get it?

[Angoid]

Can you give a bit more detail? What do you mean by "older"?

What OS is it?
Are you wanting to install a NIC, or a wireless network card?
What hardware is it?

[info_nut]

it is windows XP home and it is a dell that i ordered in 2002 or so. i have installed all new updates and want to be able to use it either with a wireless network or cable, is that possoble to install on this older computer?

[info_nut]

it is windows XP home and it is a dell that i ordered in 2002 or so. i have installed all new updates and want to be able to use it either with a wireless network or cable, is that possoble to install on this older computer?

i dont have the hardware i want to know if it is possible and if so what do i get to do this. i dont know what NIC is

This post has been edited by info_nut: Jan 13 2009, 11:28 AM

[rknol]

Can you tell us which Dell model the system is?

If it's a 2002 model it should already have an onboard Network Interface Card (NIC) - it's a card that has a connector slightly larger than a telephone connector (the telephone connector is called RJ11, the network connector is an RJ45).

In most modern (newer than 1999) systems the motherboard will have a network chip with just a connector on the external part of the case (normally close to the keyboard/mouse connectors).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_Interface_Controller
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rj45
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RJ11

Again - with the Dell model number we should be able to tell you exactly what it has (and doesn't have). If it does not have an onboard NIC we'll find out if the system has a spare PCI slot (which will let you add a PCI NIC) or even USB (which will let you add a wireless network device).

ronald.

This post has been edited by rknol: Jan 13 2009, 12:34 PM

[Angoid]

Most NICs (Network Interface Cards) have a PCI connection, so provided there's an available PCI slot in your PC, you should be OK.

Here's an example of a wired network card you can buy: http://www.netgear.co.uk/wired_networkcard_fa311.php

Here's an Amazon page for a wireless network card, again with a PCI slot: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Netgear-WG311T-Mbp...r/dp/B00022V29O

All it requires is a free PCI slot on your computer (but check first to make sure you don't have an on-board NIC). To tell whether there's one likely to be free, the only sure way is to disconnect it and open it up. But if, when you look at the back of the PC, there are any slots in the case that are covered by a piece of metal bolted in, then more likely than not there's a PCI slot behind it.

Always make sure you earth yourself before handling any computer components, and also make sure the computer is totally disconnected from the mains before opening it up. If in doubt, get your computer store to do it for you; it's only a five-minute job.

Whatever card you go for, there will be instructions included. Always read those before starting - they're usually fariy easy to understand and complete. It will also tell you whether you need to install any drivers (probably not on XP).