If you have a lot of cables and cords near your computer, installing a wireless network card in your desktop or laptop can help eliminate at least a few. A wireless network card will allow you to access the Internet from anywhere in your home. If you install one of these cards to your laptop, you will be able to access the Internet wherever there is a Wifi signal. Follow the steps below to install a wireless network card in your desktop or laptop.
Steps
Step 1. Install a wireless network card in a desktop computer
Step 2. Turn off your computer and completely unplug it
If you install an internal card and not one with a USB adapter, this work must be done with the computer turned off and unplugged.
Step 3. Open the computer case
For some older desktops, you will need to remove the screws behind the case with a screwdriver. For most Macs and desktops it will only be necessary to flip a switch that will allow you to either pull down one side or completely remove part of the case
Step 4. Locate the correct slot on your computer to connect the wireless network card
- Find a free PCI port on the desktop computer. Make sure to remove the faceplate from this port before proceeding with the installation. This will expose the new wireless network card from the back of your computer when you close the case.
- For a Mac, locate the special Airport port. In most fifth generation models called PowerMac, normally part of the metal wall separates the plate. On the iMac G4 model, the wireless network card port is on the round base and; on the iMac G5, you'll see it right in the center when you remove the entire back cover.
Step 5. Connect the wireless network card
- On a desktop computer, insert the wireless network card until it is firmly seated in the port. Secure the screws corresponding to the network card with a screwdriver. Then, fix the antenna to the outside of the network card and close the case.
- On a Mac, connect the antenna cable to the back of the card and the antenna to the motherboard. It will only be able to connect one way, so if it doesn't work the first time, just flip it. You will normally connect the card with the label facing down so that you can see the serial number and other details written on the card.
Step 6. Close the enclosure and run the software that came with the wireless network card
Step 7. Remove the battery from your laptop
This is not necessary, but it is good practice to make sure your equipment is safe.
Step 8. Remove the communication cover from the laptop, which you will identify because it has a C
For a Mac laptop, remove the entire back cover.
Step 9. Install the wireless network card in the mini PCI port for a laptop and the Airport port for a Mac
Make sure to connect the antenna to the wireless network card. Then close the laptop.
