Broadband Network Card

[nona suomy]

I have had Broadband installed but haven't received my PC yet. I've been told I might need a network card!? but I don't know what this is or what it's for? Any ideas?

[xyzzy@bok]

hoping not to confuse but if that the same as a LAN intranet card [local area network] well most home pc's have them anyway but don't use them and office networks have them and do. this could apply to a community network too. it's not an expensive or hard to install item. :-)

[j2buttonsw]

I doubt whether your broadband will require only an ethernet connection, many will make do with USB which your new PC will undoubtably have. xyzzy it right in that many new PCs will have an ethernet card already installed.

[Starsky]

If your broadband is through your cable provider (NTL/Telewest) you will have been given a modem. If this is the case there will be a socket at the rear which looks a large telephone socket - this is an RJ45 socket. This is how your cable modem will connect to your computer. The network card (aka ethernet card/LAN card) is where the modem connects via a cable to your PC (also an RJ45 connector). As xyzzy and j2b have pointed out most new PCs will have such a connector (usually referred to as onboard LAN or ethernet). You will also need a network cable to connect the modem to the PC - this will have the RJ45 connector at each end. Assuming you are awaiting delivery of a new PC check the paperwork to see if LAN/Ethernet/Network card is included. If it doesn't get the supplier to fit one - as mentioned in the previous posts they are cheap (from �10) but if you are a PC novice you may not relish the idea of fitting one yourself. If you have ADSL you at least have the option of getting a USB modem.