| Network cards: Network cards allow multiple computers to connect to one another, via a thin cable, in order to share information and resources. Hard drive storage space, printers, phone lines and Internet connections, documents and program data, applications, etc. can all be shared. The network card fits into either a PCI or ISA slot, and has a connector that looks very similar to a phone jack connector. Network connector cables are wider than phone cables, and contain 8 pin connectors, rather than 2 or 4 pins. The end of a network cable (called a "cat 5" cable with an "RJ45" connector tip) plugs into the network card in the same way that a phone cable plugs into the modem. When a successful connection to another computer is made, an LED on the network card typically lights up. The network card is also used to connect to high speed Internet connections such as Cable and DSL modems. VIDEOS: Network card install, Network card connection light |
