I have a Dell 4600 (WinXL) attached to a Linksys Broadband WRT54G V 3 router. This allows me to pick up my cable Internet connection with my wifi enabled laptop around the house. I am adding a new desktop (Dell E510) in the same room as the current desktop.

What is the best way to add this desktop to my home network? Can I hard wire the new desktop directly to the router? If so do I use a special cable and how is it attached to the new computer?

Or do I have to buy and install a PCI card to go in the new desktop so it can pick up the cable Internet signal? If so what type of card should I buy?

Or is there a better way?

Even though I set up the original home network, adding a computer is all new to me, so your input will be greatly appreciated.

Barbara

if the router has an empty lan socket just plug an ethernet cable from the router to the socket on the PC, if it doesn't have a socket you can either get a wireless PCI card or a normal NIC

Originally Posted by brain_damage

if the router has an empty lan socket just plug an ethernet cable from the router to the socket on the PC, if it doesn't have a socket you can either get a wireless PCI card or a normal NIC

Thank you. Does the length of the ethernet cable matter? I think I'll need about 10 feet.

no problem at all with 10 feet, I've got network cables running up into the loft and down into 2 bedrooms