The following tutorial will demonstrate how to install a network interface card in your computer. Network Interface Cards (NICs) are also referred to as Ethernet cards by some manufacturers.

If you need help purchasing a network card, please refer to our buying advice.

1. Opening the case. The first thing you have to do when installing any new part in your computer is open the case. As simple as this might sound, it can be tricky if you haven't done it before. One thing to keep in mind are that most cases should not require a tremendous amount of force to open. With most cases, you will find three screws on the back of the tower will gain you access to the computer. Once these screws have been removed, slide the side panel off to gain access to your computer's inner workings.
2. Ground yourself. All electronic components inside your computer are sensitive to static electricity. Make sure that you're grounded by touching part of the case chassis. Do not touch any computer components without grounding yourself first.
3. Locate an open slot. If you have purchased a PCI NIC, you will need to locate an open PCI slot. PCI slots are usually white in color and shorter than ISA slots (which are brown or black in color).
   The problem with putting a network card in the first open slot on your mainboard is that some mainboards share resources with other expansion slots. This means that your network card could cause problems with your video if installed in the wrong PCI slot. Please refer to your mainboard manual before attempting to install a network card. If you were not provided a mainboard manual from the computer manufacturer, please refer to your manufacturer. Keep in mind that the manufacturer will want to know all the various parts in your computer. Be ready to supply these when asked.
4. Remove the blanking plate. Once you have determined which slot you will install your network card into, you need to remove the blanking plate from the case. Depending on your case, you may need to remove a screw, break welds that hold it in place, or just pop it out.
   Once the plate is removed, you may wish to attach it to the inside of the case in the off chance you need it in the future. Locate an area out of the way, at the bottom of the case. Tape the plate into place using a piece of masking tape. This way you'll always have the plate when its needed.
5. Line up the network card with the slot. Now, set the card on top of the PCI slot without seating it into place. Make sure that the slot is the correct size and gently apply pressure to the top of the network card. There will be some resistance before the card will seat into place. If the hole in the network card blade lines up with the screw hole in the case, the card is in the right place.
6. Screw the card in place. Use the screw that came from the blanking plate to secure the network card into place. It is important that the network card be held securely in place so that it does not come unseated during moving and short out other devices on the motherboard.
7. Put the case back together. Put the side panel back on your case and secure it with traditional or thumb screws. This can be tricky getting everything lined up correctly. Make sure that the panel lines up before securing it with screws.
8. Software setup. Now that the hardware is installed correctly, It is time to install the software. Make sure that you have your network card driver disk, network card installation manual, and Windows disk handy...you will need both very soon.
   ***If the manual that came with your network card uses different steps than the ones listed here, follow them .***
9. Software installation.When you restart your computer, it should find the new network card and ask for the drivers to make it work. When Windows asks for the driver disk, insert the disk and point the hardware install wizard to the proper drive and location for the drivers. The wizard will copy the necessary software to the hard drive. At some point it will need to see the Windows disk. When prompted, insert the Windows disk and point the installer to the correct place. You will need to restart before the card will function correctly.
10. Check the Installation. Next, check the installation of the network card in the Device Manager. If the Device Manager shows the network card with an "!" or "?" icon, you will need to uninstall the card's software and attempt reinstalling. If it does not show any conflicts, you are finished. Excellent job.