Hi, just wondering if I can use an ethernet card to replace my dsl...I basically wanna free up USB ports and i've heard that ethernet will speed things up a minute amount..?

I don't exactly know what the ethernet card is as when I install it XP doesn't recognise it...and just names it PCI simple communications device..?

I cann find out if anyone has any idea...cheers :thumbsup:

Okay, what you mean is you have an asdl usb modem and you want to use ethernet instead.

Okay, some modems may have an ethernet port (i'm not an expert on this though so i could be wrong) but most will probably be usb.

Using ethernet instead of USB probably won't be much faster, it MAY free up some resources and a USB port though

The only thing i know about is to buy an ADSL Router (with built in ADSL-Modem and switch ports) you can then have multiple pc's online at same time without using a PC as a gateway.

However, from the sound of it, your network card's not recognised by WinXP, if you go to the manufacturers website you might find drivers for it.

So, basically, what you would need is an ADSL Router, a working Network Card and a length of network cable to plug in between (usually a cat5e patch lead)

*takes a breath* well, i think thats it, i'll probably corrected if i'm wrong anywhere ;)

lol...cheers m8, does the phrase mean "Straight over my head" mean anything to you...lol, i'll just leave it as is me thinks...lol, i thought it was a simple case of plug in, connect, synchronize and away...

Thanks anyway John...:thumbsup:

Originally posted by BobDaBuilder
I don't exactly know what the ethernet card is as when I install it XP doesn't recognise it...and just names it PCI simple communications device..?

A "PCI Simple Communications device" is generally the modem.

Moving from USB to ethernet is a good idea. It gives you the groundwork to then go for a router. It also gives you the opportunity to get rid of the rubbish free ADSL that broadband companies usually give you for free.

There are some really cheap network cards that aren't recognised by XP. It's always a good idea to get a good brand name.

Is this your new PC BDB? I would have thought it would have come with a network card already.

u need a modem router - which will accept the phone cable from your adsl modem & then allow u to use network cables from your pc to the router.
ebuyer have got them .
might have one to flog soon, will be setting up wireless this pm, so my router will be redundant. open to offers