Network Card on Old Computer

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dlw1314

New Member
I have an old Packard Bell PC (about 6 year’s old) that I’d like to use mainly just for storage space (photos and music). I’d also like to be able to view the contents of the hard drive from another computer. I already have 2 computers in my network. The problem is, the old PBPC doesn’t have a network card, just a modem slot and a couple of additional bays. My question is, does this mean I can’t install a network card in this computer? Although I’m competent at setting up a network, I know nothing about installing hardware in a PC. I’m not sure I would know how a network card would plug in or if it’s even possible.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Debbie
 
it might have pci slots in it, I don't really remember when those came out, but if your mobo has pci slots, you can get a network adaptor for under $10 off newegg
 
That definetly had PCI. Old as in 1994 probably wouldn't :P The only problem you might have is compatablility and such with the OS. Windows 95-98 didn't have the greatest networking capabilities.
 
Thank you both!

How would I recognize a PCI slot from the inside (or outside for that matter)? I have no problem opening up the PC and taking a look around, but what am I looking for exactly? Can someone give me a brief explanation on how to connect the Network adapter to the MoBo? Don't really want to buy one if I can't hook it up....

Thanks!

Debbie

PS: This old PC doesn't even have a USB port....does anyone know if there are any adapters that can turn a modem plug into an Ethernet plug?
 
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Actually, I take that back - there is a couple of USP ports on the back of the PC. I saw an adapter for that.....that'll probably work out better than putting in a new card.

Thanks for the heads-up about NewEgg - that's where I saw the USB adapter and got me thinking of the alternative....

Cheers!

Debbie
 
well all I can really tell you is look at pictures of new motherboards online or something, typically pci slots are the only type of slot that you will have multiple ones of on your motherboard. PCI express slots are coming out now too, but they are a lot shorter and came out fairly recently. I think the regular PCI slots are about three inches long, typically they are either white or black but I don't think that's an actual identifying mark. THe expansion bays on the case should correspond with different slots, if the very top one is different from the others it is probably an agp slot, but anything below it would likely be pci, if you want to post a pic of your board or something, that would work too
 
the usb will work fine, but again depending on the os the network options may be limited. You should be able to fit a more modern o/s on there if need be, something like 2000, or xp will run (not fast but it will run).
 
Thanks everyone for your input. I purchased a converter (USB to Ethernet) and I have the network up and running. So far, I'm not running into any OS problems, even though all 3 PC's are different....keeping my fingers crossed!

Happy Holidays!

Debbie
 
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