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Network Cards are used to connect computers together. With a Local Area Network (LAN) you can share files, share printers, run programs, share internet connections, and play games.
If you have more than one computer in your house, it is well worth it to get a network going to at least share a printer. No more copying to disk and going to the other computer and printing; you need only to have the other computer on to be able to print.
Network Cards are significantly faster than ordinary modems, the maximum transfer rate is usually 10 megabits per second (Mbps). If you compare that to a regular modem, 56Kbps, there is a significant difference. There are 2 major types of network cards: 10Base2 and 10/100BaseT. The 10Base2 and 10BaseT transfer at the same speed (10Mbps), the 100BaseT or 100BaseTX are much faster at up to 100Mbps. There are several "combo cards" available with either 10/100BaseT, or 10BaseT/2. 10Base2 networks do not need a hub, the cable can be "chained" to all the computers with a terminator (you have to buy a terminator as well) on both ends of the network. This makes it better for small networks because you don't have to put the extra money into a hub. The problem with "chaining" the cable is that if there is a break (includes unplugging a machine from the network) anywhere, the whole network goes out. 10BaseT networks need a hub to be connected. They are generally used for higher capacity networks. If you unplug one computer in the network, the rest of the network keeps going. This is good for high usage networks, where it would be disruptive for parts of the network to be off. If you have only two computers that you are connecting, 10Base2 will be sufficient. If you plan to have more computers, and might eventually want a 10BaseT network, you may want to look into a combo card with 10BaseT and 10Base2. The price range for network cards is from $15 to $200; the difference between price is mainly the compatibility for operating systems. Check the box to see if it is supported or comes with drivers for the operating system that you have. The cables are an added price to the network, coaxial cables (10Base2) are much cheaper than UTP (Unprotected Twisted Pair) RJ-45 cables (10BaseT) as you get into the greater lengths. A 50ft. coaxial cable could cost $10 while a 50ft. UTP RJ-45 could cost $50. If the computers are close together, or are close to the hub, the prices of the cables are about the same.
An essential part of a 10BaseT network is the hub. Hubs sometimes have 10Base2 connectors on them to hook the two different kinds of networks together. While looking for a hub, you should have in mind the maximum number of connections you will need. Hubs can have anywhere from 4 to 24+ 10BaseT ports. A lot of hubs have a special connector for connecting two hubs together. Hubs can cost anywhere from $40 to $500.
A Phillips screwdriver and about 30-60 minutes of time are required to install an ethernet.
Click here for a list of links to network card manufactuers.
Click here for a list of links to network hub manufactuers.

the installation

Make sure the computer is turned off.

Carefully disconnect all of the cables from the back of your computer, place the computer on a stable working platform, and remove the outer case. Discharge any static electricity from your body by touching the computer's power supply.

Locate a free expansion slot that matches your new network card's interface (PCI or ISA). If the slot you have selected was previously unused, you will need to remove a metal strip (blocking the opening next to the expansion slot) by removing the screw holding it in place. Remove your new network card from its anti-static bag. Line up the edge of the card containing the metal contacts with the slot and push the card in firmly with its metal plate facing the back of the computer. If you find it too difficult to push the card in directly, insert one corner of the card into the expansion slot, then push the rest of the card into place. Secure the card with the previously removed screw.

Start up the computer. Windows should recognize the new network card and attempt to install the drivers for it. It may prompt you to insert the Windows 9x CD or the CD or floppy disk that came with the network card.

Click on the Start button, move the cursor to Settings, and click on Control Panel. Double click on the System icon. Click on the Device Manager tab, then expand the Network Adapters category. There should now be an entry for your newly installed network card. If there is no entry, or if the entry has a yellow circle with an exclamation mark next to it, your network card is not configured properly or there is a hardware conflict of some sort. Consult the manual that came with your network card and/or use the Windows Troubleshooting Guide to resolve the problem. To access the Troubleshooting Guide, click on the Start button, then click on Help. Troubleshooting should be listed in the table of contents.

Install any software that came bundled with the network card.

To connect the network card to the network, you will need the cable that you purchased for the connection.

If you are installing a 10BaseT Network, you will need a hub. Plug the hub into the wall. Plug the cable into the RJ-45 (10BaseT) input on the back of the network card and on the hub. If the computer is on, there should be a green light or some indicator on the hub saying that it is connected, otherwise the cable or card may be malfunctioning.

If you are installing a 10Base2 Network, you wont need a hub. You should connect the T-connector that came with the network card to the card; push it on and twist. Connect the cable to one side of the T, and the terminator on the other side of the T.

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