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    noob question

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by A1992, Dec 24, 2010.

  1. A1992

    A1992 Newbie

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    refurbished laptop did not come with a network interface card
    what does that mean? i cant connect to the wireless internet??
     
    A1992, Dec 24, 2010
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  2. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    NIC is usually a term for wired ethernet.

    What laptop is it? i havent seen a laptop without an ethernet port.
     
    flipfire, Dec 24, 2010
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  3. DboogieC

    DboogieC Notebook Deity

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    A NIC card is a ethernet port. and if it doesn't, you have a really super old computer.
     
    DboogieC, Dec 27, 2010
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  4. jpanderson0318

    jpanderson0318 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Any device which connects to any network is a NIC, it's just a generic term, regardless of higher and lower level protocols. 10BaseT 10Base2 wireless, etc. the only difference is a modem, because it MOdulates/DEModulates... If you don't have a NIC you can buy a PCMCIA Card, or a USB adapter. I would be surprised if you don't have PCMCIA or USB.
     
    jpanderson0318, Dec 27, 2010
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  5. Feral1

    Feral1 Notebook Consultant

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    As stated above to be successful with an older notebook it will nee a PCMCIA or USB port. If you are lucky it will be USB as you and get a wireless card for USB really cheap on sale. Hope you are running at least Win XP.
     
    Feral1, Dec 29, 2010
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