Network Adaptor Card

[stewey]

I have a 7 year old computer and am running Windows Me. How do I find out if my computer has a NAC installed without actually looking inside it? (I wouldn't know what it looked like anyway!). Can I go to Control Panel, or some other place, to find out?

[plowter]

A NAC is an old name for a Network Adapter Card; the current term is NIC for Network Interface Card. You should be able to find out if you've got one by going into Control Panel -> System -> Hardware tab.

As I recall, Windows ME is slightly different from Windows XP. On the Hardware tab there should be a button marked Hardware Manager or Device Manager. The list should show all your devices and one of the options will be Network Adapters. Expand that link to find out if you've got a NAC and what type.

You could also look at the back of the machine. A network adapter is a square hole, sometimes marked LAN or Ethernet. It may have a symbol showing three squares linked together.

[stewey]

Thanks, plowter. I did what you suggested, and got this list:
Dial-Up Adapter
Dial-Up Adapter #2
Efficient Networks PPPoE Adapter (NTSP3)
Microsoft Virtual Private Networking Adapter

There is no mention of an NAC or NIC. Is this the reason I can't get ASDL to work?

[plowter]

ADSL is is the posh name for broadband. You need to connect a network card (NIC) to a modem or router using an ethernet cable. The router is then connected to your telephone line , via a microfilter, through a DSL cable.

How do you expect to connect to broadband? Who's your ISP?

[stewey]

Plowter, I was attempting to connect with a USB cable. According to the instructions I received everything is hooked-up ok, but when I try to connect to the service I get a screen saying something to the effect that 'the computer cannot recognize an adapter name'. My ISP (I'm in Canada by the way) will only supply technical help over the phone, and will not do house-calls. Their phone help is useless! What I have now decided to do is hire someone for about $50 to come in and hook it up. Thanks for you responses to this question and my previous one from about a week ago. Cheers!

[plowter]

Ethernet is preferable to USB on the grounds or speed and reliability.

If you're connecting via USB you probably need some driver to let your PC know what it's connected to. Your ISP should provide some step-by-step instructions on how to connect. Most decent ISPs provide instructions for common problems on their FAQ or technical support pages.

Bear in mind that if you're using Windows ME then your software or hardware might only support USB 1.0 rather than 2.0. Check the minimum specification with your internet provider.

[stewey]

Thanks again. I just phoned a company and explained the situation in full. They're coming on Monday with the necessary parts, and will hook me up for $60 (about 30 pounds).

[fo3nix]

See my post in your other question,

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Science/Questio n467637.html

[stewey]

Thanks, fo3nix; clear pictures.......definitely don't have a ethernet port on mine. Anyway, for around 30 pounds, I'll be on broadband next week. Actually, the guy is coming on Sunday and charging no extra!

[fo3nix]

That's good.

You can pick a NIC card (assuming your computer has a free PCI port, which it probably does), for about �3...

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/104381

They're easy to fit too, you just have to have a bit of confidence about taking the side of your computer off and make sure you don't touch anything inside.

[stewey]

Thanks, all of you. I now have it!! I can see you faster than the speed of light.