Network Card Drivers
Network cards, or Network Interface Cards (NICs), are hardware devices used to connect a computer to a network. When connected to a network, the computer can then share resources, data, and hardware. For example, a network-connected computer can retrieve files from other computers or use the hardware attached to other systems.
Setting up a network can save a great deal of money because the connected computers can share their hardware. Rather than purchasing multiple printers or removable hard drives, each computer on the network can print to the network printer or save their files to the removable hard drive. In addition, networked computers can share Internet access. To create a simple network, you will need at least two computers equipped with network cards and a router. Network cards install directly into a free port on desktop computers or slip into a free PCMIA slot on your laptop computer. Once installed, software and device drivers may need to be installed on your computer. Cables are used to connect each computer to the router. Finally, the router is configured and the network is up and running. Similarly, wireless networks work in much the same way, only instead of using cables, wireless connections are made. You will need wireless network cards and a wireless router in this case. Most computers now come with built in network cards or wireless adapters, making it easier than ever to connect to networks. Without a network card or wireless adapter, it is not possible to connect a computer to the network. Many manufacturers make network cards including 3Com, Broadcom, Belkin, and Intel. 3Com is a leading manufacturer of network cards that caters to the enterprise market. Among their offerings are secure network cards offering encryption, remote management, and advanced server features. Broadcom supplies network cards to many computer manufacturers including Apple, Dell, Gateway, HP, IBM, Fujitsu, Micron, and NEC. While you might not see Broadcom products at your local electronics retailer, you could very well have a Broadcom network card on board your PC. Belkin caters to the consumers with products designed to integrate electronics in the home, car, or on the go. Belkin has twice been listed as one of the "500 Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies" by Inc. Magazine. Belkin makes home network setup easy by bundling sets of network cards with hubs and routers. Intel is also a leading manufacturer of network cards offering solutions for consumers and enterprise organizations alike. They offer standard Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet adapters. In today's networked environment, network cards are a must for any computer that will be connected to a network - large or small. Most new computers have standard Ethernet NIC cards preinstalled with many also including a wireless network card too. In fact, some motherboards now include network adapters directly on the motherboard itself. If you have an older computer, installing a new network card is fairly simple so long as you have an available expansion slot. » Download Network Card Drivers |
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