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Installing a PCI wireless card might seem like a bit of an
adventure -- after all, you have to open the case, find where to
put the thing, close it again... and then you have to deal with
the software! Even if you've never opened your computer before,
though, you shouldn't have too much trouble with it if you
follow this simple 10 step guide.
Step 1: Look at the Manual. Yes, I know it seems like a dull
thing to do, but you really need to at least skim the manual for
things if you're going to go putting them in your computer. It's
much better to do it now than to realise afterwards that you
missed an essential step in the installation. A few cards, for
example, require you to install the software before installing
the card -- do this now if you need to.
Step 2: Switch the Computer Off. Before you even think about
opening the computer, you've got to switch it off. You should
use the 'Shut Down' option to make sure that the computer will
start fresh next time, and wait for it to shut down completely.
Step 3: Unplug the Computer. To be safe, you should disconnect
the computer from the power supply now. If there is anything
connected to the computer, you should unplug that from the power
too, as well as unplugging the wires from the back of the
computer. If you're nervous that you won't remember which wire
goes where when it's time to put them back again, you could draw
a diagram before you start this step. Most modern computers have
a matching color coding system on the rear panel. Pink goes to
pink, green to green etc.
Step 4: Remove the Case. To avoid damaging your computer's parts
or electrocuting yourself, you should be wearing an anti-static
wristband (also known as a ground strap) whenever you open your
computer. If you're not sure how to get the case off, consult
your computer's manual. It's usually just a matter of
unscrewing, though -- but make sure you keep the screws
somewhere where they won't get lost.
Step 5: When the cover is removed, the first thing to do is to
locate the PCI slots on your motherboard, different motherboards
have different amounts of PCI slots, for example you may already
have a PCI card installed, in which case just choose an empty
slot to install your new PCI card. PCI slots are long,
rectangular slots inside the computer. Some of the available PCI
slots might be used by existing modems or Ethernet cards. If
there's no space for your new wireless card, then you might need
to remove some of this old equipment.
Step 6: Insert the PCI Card. If you're using a PCI slot that
hasn't been used before, you'll need to unscrew the piece of
metal filling the gap in the back of the computer created by
there being no card there. Make sure you store this piece in a
safe place, in case you ever need it again.
When you insert the PCI card into the slot, do it as carefully
as you can. Try not to touch any of the circuits on the card.
Once it's in the slot, you will need to press firmly, but don't
use too much force. You should also make sure that you point the
wireless card's antenna upwards.
Step 7: Close the Case. Just do what you did in step 4 in
reverse -- put it all back together.
Step 8: Plug In and Start. You need to plug your computer back
in and start it. If you don't want to re-attach all your cables
right now, you will at least need to plug in the keyboard, mouse
and monitor. Many people are scared when they turn on their
computer again after installing a PCI card and it doesn't work
-- only to find that the error was caused by them not
reconnecting their keyboard! When you reboot your machine
Windows (or other OS) should find the card automatically, it
will then prompt you for the driver disk/cd that came with your
card, insert the CD and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 9: Install Drivers and Software. Once the computer's done
starting, it should notice it has some new hardware. This is
when you should insert the CD that came with the card, and leave
Windows to do its thing. If everything's gone to plan, the PCI
card should be set up automatically. If things don't happen
automatically, try inserting the CD before you panic.
Step 10: Configure Your Network. Your PCI wireless card gives
your computer a permanent wireless connection. The first time
you use it, you should be asked which wireless network you want
to connect to. Choose your wireless network from the list, and
you're ready to go!
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