| Installing a PCI wireless card might seem like a bit | | | | inside the computer. Some of the available PCI |
| of an adventure -- after all, you have to open the | | | | slots might be used by existing modems or |
| case, find where to put the thing, close it again... | | | | Ethernet cards. If there's no space for your new |
| and then you have to deal with the software! | | | | wireless card, then you might need to remove |
| Even if you've never opened your computer | | | | some of this old equipment.Step 6: Insert the PCI |
| before, though, you shouldn't have too much | | | | Card. If you're using a PCI slot that hasn't been |
| trouble with it if you follow this simple 10 step | | | | used before, you'll need to unscrew the piece of |
| guide.Step 1: Look at the Manual. Yes, I know it | | | | metal filling the gap in the back of the computer |
| seems like a dull thing to do, but you really need | | | | created by there being no card there. Make sure |
| to at least skim the manual for things if you're | | | | you store this piece in a safe place, in case you |
| going to go putting them in your computer. It's | | | | ever need it again.When you insert the PCI card |
| much better to do it now than to realise | | | | into the slot, do it as carefully as you can. Try not |
| afterwards that you missed an essential step in | | | | to touch any of the circuits on the card. Once it's |
| the installation. A few cards, for example, require | | | | in the slot, you will need to press firmly, but don't |
| you to install the software before installing the | | | | use too much force. You should also make sure |
| card -- do this now if you need to.Step 2: Switch | | | | that you point the wireless card's antenna |
| the Computer Off. Before you even think about | | | | upwards.Step 7: Close the Case. Just do what you |
| opening the computer, you've got to switch it off. | | | | did in step 4 in reverse -- put it all back |
| You should use the 'Shut Down' option to make | | | | together.Step 8: Plug In and Start. You need to |
| sure that the computer will start fresh next time, | | | | plug your computer back in and start it. If you |
| and wait for it to shut down completely.Step 3: | | | | don't want to re-attach all your cables right now, |
| Unplug the Computer. To be safe, you should | | | | you will at least need to plug in the keyboard, |
| disconnect the computer from the power supply | | | | mouse and monitor. Many people are scared |
| now. If there is anything connected to the | | | | when they turn on their computer again after |
| computer, you should unplug that from the power | | | | installing a PCI card and it doesn't work -- only to |
| too, as well as unplugging the wires from the | | | | find that the error was caused by them not |
| back of the computer. If you're nervous that you | | | | reconnecting their keyboard! When you reboot |
| won't remember which wire goes where when it's | | | | your machine Windows (or other OS) should find |
| time to put them back again, you could draw a | | | | the card automatically, it will then prompt you for |
| diagram before you start this step. Most modern | | | | the driver disk/cd that came with your card, |
| computers have a matching color coding system | | | | insert the CD and follow the on-screen |
| on the rear panel. Pink goes to pink, green to | | | | instructions.Step 9: Install Drivers and Software. |
| green etc.Step 4: Remove the Case. To avoid | | | | Once the computer's done starting, it should |
| damaging your computer's parts or electrocuting | | | | notice it has some new hardware. This is when |
| yourself, you should be wearing an anti-static | | | | you should insert the CD that came with the |
| wristband (also known as a ground strap) | | | | card, and leave Windows to do its thing. If |
| whenever you open your computer. If you're not | | | | everything's gone to plan, the PCI card should be |
| sure how to get the case off, consult your | | | | set up automatically. If things don't happen |
| computer's manual. It's usually just a matter of | | | | automatically, try inserting the CD before you |
| unscrewing, though -- but make sure you keep | | | | panic.Step 10: Configure Your Network. Your PCI |
| the screws somewhere where they won't get | | | | wireless card gives your computer a permanent |
| lost.Step 5: When the cover is removed, the first | | | | wireless connection. The first time you use it, you |
| thing to do is to locate the PCI slots on your | | | | should be asked which wireless network you want |
| motherboard, different motherboards have | | | | to connect to. Choose your wireless network |
| different amounts of PCI slots, for example you | | | | from the list, and you're ready to go!Information |
| may already have a PCI card installed, in which | | | | supplied and written by Lee Asher of |
| case just choose an empty slot to install your | | | | Domain Domain Names, Hosting, Traffic and Email |
| new PCI card. PCI slots are long, rectangular slots | | | | Solutions. |