Installing a Network Interface Card

The purpose of this documentation is to aid first-time users in the installation of an ISA/PCI/PCMCIA network interface card. This tutorial will cover both desktop and notebook computers.

What you will need
 

Desktop PCs

Safety Precautions
1. To prevent static electricity from damaging vital components of your computer, remember to always attach an anti-static strip bracelet from your wrist to your computer case.
2. Computer cases were not meant to be opened by the everyday user and thus are not made with the safety of the user in mind. Be careful for sharp edges in the casing that can cut your fingers and/or hands.
3. Never remove a component or open a computer case while the power is on and the power cable attached. Always remove all connecting cables before opening your case.

Step 1: Opening the Case
1. Shut off the system if it is on.
2. Remove all cables connecting to the computer.
3. Locate the screws holding the case cover in place on the frame.
4. Remove the screws attaching the cover to the frame.
5. Many new systems have tight cases and/or special cases. Removing the casing might require some prying. Use a flat-head screwdriver to push the case open against the front panel. Seek assistance if you cannot open the case alone. If the case seems really peculiar. Check your computer's user manual first to see if they instruct you on how to open your computer.

Step 2: Locating the Expansion Slots
1. Place the open computer frame on its side with the motherboard facing up. This means you can see the motherboard from a bird's eye view. The motherboard is the biggest board you can see within the frame. It usually covers an entire side and has other smaller boards sticking up from it.
2. Looking at the motherboard, try to locate the expansion slots. Expansion slots are either long black strips or short white strips that look like Lego blocks standing up. ISA slots are black. PCI slots are white. Open slots are those that do not have other boards inserted in them.

Step 3: Installing Your New Card
1. Determine which interface (ISA or PCI) your card uses. ISA is long and the gold contacts are large. PCI is much shorter and smaller.
2. Next, check to see if the expansion slot opening next to the slot is covered. If it is, remove the cover by unscrewing it from the frame or popping it out. (IMPORTANT: Keep the screw and the slot cover.) If you have a new case that has slot covers built in you will have to remove them manually with a screwdriver. Please refer to your user manual for details.
3. When the slot cover has been removed, insert your card into the expansion slot on the motherboard. Press firmly so the entire part of the card that has the gold contacts goes completely into the expansion slot on the motherboard and will go no further. Do not use any tools to try to hammer the card in if it does not fit.
4. Make sure the side of the card resembling the expansion slot cover you just removed is covering most of the open slot.
5. Screw the card into place with the screw you removed from the expansion slot cover or a new screw.

Step 4: Replacing the Case
1. After confirming the proper placement of the card, make sure you did not leave any tools or screws within the computer. Replace the case and screw it back in place.
2. Reconnect all the cables to their proper places.

Step 5: Booting Up
1. Turn on the power.
2. Refer to your user's manual to install the proper drivers from the disk(s) that came with the card.
3. Refer to the section setting up and configuring your computer for ResNet for the settings you will need to access ResNet.

Notebook PCs

Safety Precautions
1. Never remove a PCMCIA card without stopping it in Windows or while the computer is on. This may damage your card.
2. Do not insert anything other than PCMCIA cards in your card slots, as this may damage the slots.
3. Use the built-in push buttons to eject your card; never use pliers or other tools. Consult your notebook's user manual regarding how to eject an inserted PCMCIA card.
4. When your PCMCIA card is not inserted in the slot, place it somewhere safe away from dust and water.

Step 1: Inserting your PCMCIA card
1. Locate the PCMCIA slots on the side of your computer. If you are not sure exactly where they are, consult your notebook's user manual. These slots are always located together, one on top of another, and always on the left or right side of your computer.
2. When inserting your PCMCIA card, insert it in only the top or bottom slot. Do not try to insert it in the middle.
3. Insert your card into the slot completely. Press it until it can go no farther.
4. If your card comes with an extension adapter, plug it into the card and then plug the network cable into the adapter.