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