Isn't an Ethernet card easy to install?

[ButterflyBlood]

My parents bought a new computer so they gave me their old one. It's still better than my current one, but since they have a cable modem it doesn't have an Ethernet card. I heard installation of that would be around $30-40, but it's not hard to install yourself. true?

[TrogL]

1. get one that's on your recommended hardware list

otherwise it will be a pain

[TrogL]

2. you may also get IRQ conflicts

If the computer is plug-n-play it may make some bizarre decisions about how to handle the extra interrupt - like shutting off your sound card.

[Paragon]

3. Right.

Long as you have compatible parts, most computer installations are intended to be user-friendly -- even if it doesn't seem that way sometimes.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

4. Hottest tip I know:

Make sure you get one based upon the "Realtek" chipset. I have not seen anything that wouldn't automatically accept and configure a Realtek-based card.

They have become all I will use. Just that simple.

I get Realtek-based Cards from online vendors for $4.00. You can too.

[FreakinDJ]

5. Easy as Pie

It is all software configurable.

If your running XP it does the job for you. Just remember to ground your fore arm prior to removing the card from the anti-static plastic bag

[Taverner]

6. Easy - but be sure to ground yourself

constantly touch the back of the chassis so you don't fry the Motherboard

[Mika]

7. Ethernet isn't standard on an intel box?

What kind o' stone age crap is that?

[galaca1]

8. mistake

sorry.

[emulatorloo]

9. Get a brand name card like netgear

follow the directions in the manual, should be a piece of cake.

[lanparty]

10. Cable modem install ...

You have to have a guy come to your home and check the amplification on your cable line. The fee also cover account setup, etc...

Personally, I don't allow those guys to touch my computers. I do the "LAN" part myself. They're responsible for making the cable modem hum.

One thing you should DEFINITELY get is a gateway. First, you will probably only get ONE IP address. Gateways have DHCP servers that allow you to use multiple computers without having to pay the cable company for more IP addresses. Second, the gateway effectively shields your ethernet from unsolicited incoming packets.

Ethernet installation should be effortless provided you have open PCI slots. If there are only ISA slots, you will likely face a struggle.

If your averse to stringing lots of wire, you may want to consider a wireless 802.llg network. The gateways for these are typically $100 or less. However, adding ethernet to your home should raise the value. HVAC ductwork is PERFECT for stringing ethernet cable. Your local Menards/Home Depot/Lowes should have wall plates that will replace and augment telephone jacks.

Finally, if your averse to either of these networking methods, you should consider powerline or telephone networking. My preference is powerline since you can "jack in" from anywhere in your home. Basically, you get outlet plugs that have Cat-5 jacks in them.

[Spirochete]

11. It's easy, but

try to avoid installing it in the PCI slot directly under your AGP slot. Some motherboards don't like that, and will act up, screwing up your IRQ's and whatever.