No ethernet port

[G-G]

I will be switching to broadband in a few days, though Ive just noticed I dont have an ethernet port at the back of my PC. I can get broadband through my USB port but from what Ive heard ethernet is better. Will installing an ethernet card solve this problem? if so, how do I do this?

Thanks

[PrntRhd]

Assuming this is a desktop PC, get a PCI Ethernet card, copy the driver file to the desktop, power down the PC. Install the ethernet card into the PC, and boot up, Windows will detect the new hardware, then you tell Windows to find the driver at the location you placed it (desktop) and install the driver file.

If this is DSL you need to know what modem the ISP is going to use, they need to know if you have an ethernet card installed and available when you get the DSL.

[G-G]

OK thanks,

where exactly do I put the ethernet card? sorry, Im new to this. Presumably it will come with instructions how to fit it.

What is the difference between these 2:

PC Line (http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1729908751.112190779 8@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccckaddfeldljjjcflgceggdhhmdgmk.0&page=Product&sku=685029&category_oid=-24982&fm=undefined&sm=undefined&tm=undefined)

Netgear (http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1729908751.112190779 8@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccckaddfeldljjjcflgceggdhhmdgmk.0&page=Product&sku=202331&category_oid=-24982&fm=undefined&sm=undefined&tm=undefined)

[G-G]

I also found this:

BELKIN F5D5050 USB 10/100 ETHERNET ADAPTER
Product Information


The Belkin USB 10/100 Ethernet Adapter for PC computers is the easiest solution for connecting your laptop and/or desktop computers to a broadband Internet modem or building a 10/100 Base-T Ethernet network. The Ethernet adapter is compliant with USB 1.0 and 1.1, as well as Ethernet IEEE 802.3 and 802.3u standards. Easy to install, the adapter plugs into any available USB port and lets you connect your PC to a cable or DSL modem, as well as share files and peripherals with computers that are connected to the network. This simple solution adds an RJ45 Ethernet port to your PC without opening the computer.

Will this give the same performance as an ethernet card installed inside my computer, or is it just an adaptor?

[pentachris]

When I went broadband, my cable company gave me (free) and installed a PCI ethernet card. Check with your provider to see if they will do the same. They're awfully cheap...

[Paleo Pete]

where exactly do I put the ethernet card? sorry, Im new to this.

Usually you will probably be getting a PCI NIC. (That means Network Interface Card ie ethernet card.) It goes into an empty PCI slot on the motherboard. Installation is not difficult, just push it into the slot until it's firmly seated then put a screw into the tab on top to hold it in place. You can see which slot to look for in the Component ID (http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=25502) thread.

I'm not familiar with the PC Line cards, but Netgear has a good reputation and Realtek makes good cards too. Of the two you listed I would get the Netgear, I've used them a few times and have had no trouble with them. If you can find a Realtek I like those better. Intel makes NICs, and several other companies as well. Most will work fine, I've used Netgear, Realtek, Intel, Aopen and a couple of others, the only one I had trouble installing was an older Netgear. That turned out to be a driver that didn't like Windows 2000. Downloaded a newer driver and it worked great. Most cost under $20. And pentachris has a good point, check with your ISP first, they may supply the card and save you the trouble of looking for one, and it will work with their equipment. I've talked to a number of people who told me the same thing, so it's not uncommon for ISPs to supply the NIC.

[G-G]

I just installed it last night, seemed pretty easy.

When I turned the PC on for the 1st time I got a message saying something like "clock speed mismatch". It hasn't given me the same message since but my computer is running quite a bit slower (Im not actually using the ethernet yet). When im on the internet there seems to be a delayed reaction to ever link I click on, and switching between windows takes some time aswell. Could this just be dwon to using more resources or is there a problem?

Ive just installed antivirus software which may be slowing it down aswell.

[G-G]

I think it was the Norton Antivirus that was the main problem. I uninstalled it and installed avast instead. My PC is generally quicker but still lags abit online. Hopefully that won't be the case when broadband arrives!

[Paleo Pete]

Antivirus software usually does tend to adversely affect performance, but the "clock speed mismatch" error message at boot usually means the CPU settings in BIOS have been changed. IF that happens when you haven't intenetionally made any changes in BIOS, it's usually because the COS battery is losing steam and should be replaced. Again, check the Component ID thread, if you aren't familiar with it, I put a picture of it right up top since it's a pretty common item we advise people to check or change. It should be a CR 2032, slightly larger than a US Dime, and most aren't difficult to change.

Once it has been replaced, you will have to get into BIOS and reset the date and time, reset any other settings you may have changed for some reason and I usually just browse through BIOS and make sure everything looks right. But that implies familiarity with BIOS. Most of the time, the default settings should work fine, just reset time and date and check to see the CPU speed is correct. I always take a minute to check temps too, and especially on a newly uilt system, I watch it for 10-15 minutes to see if it fluctuates, (normal) and how much. Usually 2-4 degrees fluctuation is not anything to worry about. Also, if your system clock is losing time, that usually indicates a failing battery too.

[G-G]

Actually the system clock runs 10 minutes fast, and always has done. even when I correct it, it goes back to 10 minutes fast next time the computer is on.

The thing is, it has not shown that message since the first time I switched it on after installing the PCI card. Do you typically only get warned once or should it be every time you switch the system on?

[G-G]

When I switch my computer off at the mains and back on again I get the error messages:

0127 CPU CLOCK MISMATCH
0162 EQUIPMENT CONFIGURATION ERROR

Not Clock speed mismatch like I thought before. I think I'll make a specific thread about it. Thanks for your help.