How to Install a NIC Card and Protocols

When it comes to installing a network card many people will feel lost and unsure what to do. Some have trouble understanding how a network operates and what is involved. Today I will try to explain it in simple terms and easy terms.

A network card, sometimes called a NIC, is a piece of hardware that allows one computer to communicate with other computers over a network. Every network card is given a unique 48-bit serial number given by the manufacturer. This is referred to as a MAC address. Each computer on the network must have a network card with a different MAC address to enable it to communicate. There are four techniques a NIC may use to transfer data; polling, programmed I/O, interrupt-driven I/O, and DMA. Now that we have a better understanding of what a NIC is let's take a look at how one is installed.

The process of installation is quite simple. First you need to crack your case and physically install your card. You will want to make sure you have your card seated properly and snuggly. Next you should turn your system on and install the cards drivers. It is best to install them from the manufacturer's disk if it is available. This helps to reduce errors and ensures you have the proper driver set. You will also want to visit the manufacturer's website and make sure you have the latest drivers and download any updates or patches that might be available. Your last step is to test the card to ensure it is functioning properly. The best way to do this is through your Device Manager. On Window XP you will click on your start button, open your control panel, open system, click on your hardware tab and then click on your Device Manager tab. Once you find your network card if no question mark appears by the card chances are you have no conflicts and all is well. If you do see a question mark you will want to contact the manufacturer of the card. This process is quite simple and once you've done it then the intimidation is gone and it's easier the next time.

Once you have your card installed you will hook up your cables and configure your system. This is not as hard as it seems either. Simply put you are assigning your PC a name and a workgroup so that it can be recognized by the network and you can access network resources. What you will do is right click on My Computer and select Properties, next click on the computer name tab and then the change button. This is where you will type in your computers name. Then you need to select the workgroup and enter that name. These names are sometimes assigned and if you are working in an office environment you will want to check which workgroup you have been assigned to. If it is a home environment you will want to make sure that every computer you want to have access to your workgroup has a unique name. After this is done you just click ok and reboot your system. Now your PC is on the network and you are ready to go.

The next things we are going to discuss are protocols. Protocols are simply rules that must be followed. In this situation it is the protocols of networking that we are going to briefly cover. The most commonly know networking protocol is TCP/IP. You might recognize this but not know what it means. TCP or Transmission Control Protocol is a connection-oriented protocol. Its job is to ensure connection to the network and to make sure data is received and if not to resend it. The second half of the equation is IP or Internet Protocol which breaks up and reassembles data into packets before passing it onto its destination. These are not the only protocols used in networking. Some others are ARP (Address Resolution Protocol), ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) and ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol). There are also protocol's used by hardware such as PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) and SLIP (Serial Line Internet Protocol). Protocols can be very confusing but it's important to remember that your PC will be working with them more than you will. Chances are you will never have to know them all so don't get panicky when you hear the word protocol.

When it comes to connecting to the internet you have basically three options; standard dial-up, DSL, and cable modem. Dial-up sends data over a regular phone line and is the best known of the three. DSL and cable modems are becoming very popular and offer more speed at an increased price. You have to weigh price and speed against your needs when deciding which you prefer.

Once you have your network up and running you have to consider how you intend to protect it. Any computer attached to the internet is in danger of invasions. These can be minor offences up to theft. Your best defense is knowledge. A good firewall should always be your first defense. Firewalls filter data packets, examine destination IP addresses IP sources, and protocol types. They also filter ports preventing outside clients from using them. There are two types of firewalls available they are hardware and software. Hardware firewalls are considered to be the best because they protect then entire network. A router is a good example of a hardware firewall. Software firewalls can be installed on the PC, but must be installed on every PC on the workgroup. ZoneAlarm, Norton's and McAfee are some good firewalls available today.

Now you have the tools needed to install, configure and protect your network. The most important thing is to start and not be afraid. Just keep in mind that the first time you do anything is always the hardest. Confidence comes with patience and practice.

References
Andrews, Jean (2006). A+ guide to managing and maintaining your pc fifth edition. Canada: Thomson Course Technology.
Wikipedia, (2007). Network card. Retrieved March 29, 2007, from en.wikipedia.org Web site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_card