A network card or adapter connects any desktop PC or laptop to your home network and the Internet (via a Broadband Router). Each computer requires a network card or adapter regardless of whether you choose wireless or wired networking equipment. Some computers have Ethernet or wireless connectivity already built in, if not, or if you require faster connection speeds a variety of internal and external devices are available:
Cardbus Adapters (Also known as 32-bit PCMCIA Cards or PC Cards)
Designed for use with laptops or PDAs, Cardbus adapters are removable, credit-card-sized network adapters that fit into a standard PCMCIA slot. However, unlike standard PCMCIA 16-bit network adapters, Cardbus adapters operate six times faster. The PCMCIA slot is typically found on the side of your laptop/notebook computer (see picture below). A choice of Ethernet (wired) and wireless Cardbus adapters are available.
PCI Cards
PCI Cards are used in desktop PCs. Most desktop PCs have at least one PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) slot. PCI slots are used to install or sorts of add-in cards, including network connectivity, for either Ethernet (wired) or wireless networks.
USB Adapters
USB adapters can be used with either laptops or desktop PCs that have a free USB port - most computers have at least one port, usually two. Using a USB adapter with a desktop PC eliminates the need to open up your desktop PC (which is necessary when installing a PCI card). NETGEAR supplies USB network adapters for use with either wired or wireless home networks. Wireless USB adapters include a 1.5m USB cable and cradle to enable you to locate your adapter where the signal is strongest.
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