Lab 1.1.4 Install a NIC Card

Objectives:

Demonstrate proper installation of a NIC card in a PC.

Background:

A network interface card allows a computer to connect to a network and share files or resources with other computers. Network cards are relatively easy to install, as long as simple guidelines are followed. 

Tools / Preparation:

  • a computer system running Windows 95
  • empty PCI or ISA expansion slot
  • PCI or ISA Network card (Ethernet adapter)
  • network card driver disk and/or Windows 95 CD
  • network cable
  • toolkit set
  • static mat and wrist strap

Worksheet

  1. Turn off your computer and unplug the power cable. Use a static mat and wrist strap to ground yourself.
  2. Remove the cover and then the dust plate from computer case for the empty PCI or ISA expansion slot in which you plan to install the NIC card.
  3. Remove the network card from the anti-static bag. Handle the top corners of the network card with both hands. Align the tabs of the network card with the slot and gently rock the card front to rear to insert it into the expansion slot. Finally, secure the card to the case with a screw.
  4. Replace the cover of the computer case and then restart the computer. The Windows 95 setup hardware detection will automatically determine the adapter driver for your network card. Windows 95 may ask you to supply your computer name and workgroup name. Select a computer name for your PC and use a specific workgroup name provided by your lab instructor.
  5. Double-click on the Network Neighborhood icon on the desktop. If you find other computer names displayed in the window, the network card is working properly. If you do not find other computer names then Windows 95 may have installed an incorrect driver for your network card. If so, you will need to do the following steps to add an adapter driver:
    1. Click the Start button, select Settings, then select Control Panel.
    2. Double-click the Network icon. A network dialog box will appear.
    3. Click on the Add button. Select adapter and click on the Add button once again.
    4. Click on the Have Disk button. Insert the network card's driver disk into the floppy drive. Click OK. The Windows 95 setup will install the driver.
    5. Windows 95 may ask you to reboot your system. After you restart the computer, follow the instructions in the beginning of this exercise to check whether your network card is working properly.

Reflection

Write in your journal the steps that you used to install a network card. Also write what precautions you took and why they were important.

Notes:

 

LAB 1.1.4 - NIC INSTALLATION - ANSWER

  1. Turn off your computer and unplug the power cable. Use a static mat and wrist strap to ground yourself.
  2. Remove the cover from the computer. Remove the dust plate from the computer case for the empty PCI or ISA expansion slot in which you plan to install the NIC card.
  3. Remove the network card from the anti-static bag. Handle the top corners of the network card with both hands. Align the tabs of the network card with the slot and gently rock the card front to rear to insert it into the expansion slot. Finally, secure the card to the case with a screw.
  4. Plug a straight-through wired network patch cable into the back of the NIC. The cable should connect to a hub or switch with other PCs in a workgroup. The green link light on the back of the NIC should come on when the PC is restarted indicating a good connection with the hub or switch.
  5. Restart the computer. The Windows 95/98 setup hardware detection will automatically determine the adapter driver for your network card. Windows may ask you to supply your computer name and workgroup name. Select a computer name for your PC and use a specific workgroup name provided by your lab instructor.
  6. Double-click on the Network Neighborhood icon on the desktop. If you find other computer names displayed in the window, the network card is working properly. If you do not find other computer names then Windows may have installed an incorrect driver for your network card. If so, you will need to do the following steps to add an adapter driver:

    1. Click the Start button, select Settings, then select Control Panel.

    2. Double-click the Network icon. A network dialog box will appear.

    3. Click on the Add button. Select adapter and click on the Add button once again.

    4. Click on the Have Disk button. Insert the network card's driver disk into the floppy drive. Click OK. The Windows setup will install the driver.

    5. Windows may ask you to reboot your system. After you restart the computer, follow the instructions in the beginning of this exercise to check whether your network card is working properly.

Reflection: Write in your journal the steps that you used to install a network card. Also write what precautions you took and why they were important.

Be sure to write in journals about the proper care that must be taken when working on the inside of PCs (e.g. anti-static precautions, changing one thing at time, working with the power off, using the proper tools). Also record any problems that may have occurred such as incorrect drivers etc.