[cybergeek102]

I recently bought a laptop computer but I am unable to access the Internet. My laptop is supposed to already be configured for Internet usage. What do I need to do? I have a Dell Latitude CPx H with Windows XP Pro. How do I verify that I already have a NIC installed??

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Hrm... "Internet Ready" can mean that its only got a modem built-in.
All the specs I'm finding on that model show its got a modem, but as far as a NIC, you'd have to get a PCMCIA Card

[NullWolf]

Hrm... "Internet Ready" can mean that its only got a modem built-in.
All the specs I'm finding on that model show its got a modem, but as far as a NIC, you'd have to get a PCMCIA Card

[cybergeek102]

thanks for the advice. What is a PCMCIA card and where could I get one?

[NullWolf]

I could get all technical, but thats not why you're here.
Suffice it to say that PCMCIA is the technical term for the expansion cards that go into a laptop / notebook.

Anymore, if you just search for a notebok lan card or something similar, you'll find a ton of places offering them. Just look for one that's a good deal / decent brand. (Blitz, Linksys, D-Link come to mind) And you should be fine.

[todd333]

are you trying to use dial-up, cable, dsl, ??


to verify that you had a modem/nic whatever just look in the device manager, right click on my computer-properties-hardware-device manager.

you dont have to get pcmcia, there are usb nic cards out there if you have usb ports.
pcmcia cards go into a little slot in the side of your computer

Edited by todd333, 09 September 2005 - 12:36 PM.

[cybergeek102]

I checked to see if I had a modem, but I didn't. So, I checked under Network Adapters. I found that I had a Xircom CardBus Ethernet II 10/100. Do I still need to get a card?

[todd333]

id depends on how your are trying to connect are you trying to dial in? if you have a cable or dsl connection you dont need to buy anything just plug a cable from the back ofyour computer to the connection, most new laptops have onboard modems and network cards

[cybergeek102]

Thanks for the help and patience, Todd and Nullwolf.