If
you are going to use cable or DSL Internet service, the following
sections should help you get the service installed and working. To
start with you will need to connect your computer to your cable or DSL
modem. A very few DSL and cable modems use a USB connection and can
just be plugged into your computer this way.
However,
most DSL and cable service providers require an Ethernet network
adapter for use by their modems. Most computers have an Ethernet
adapter built in, ready to use. Or, your ISP will supply and install
one for you. You won’t have to lift a finger. You just need to log in
using an Administrator account and supervise while the installer does
his or her stuff.
Tip
If
a professional installer configures your computer or adds software to
it, be sure to take thorough notes of what he or she does. Don’t
hesitate to ask questions—you have a right to know exactly what the
installer is doing. Be sure to test the setup before the installer
leaves. |
If
you want to purchase or install the network adapter yourself, install
it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This process will go
something like this:
For an
internal adapter in a desktop computer, shut down Windows, unplug the
computer, and install the card. Then, power up the computer and log on.
For
a laptop computer, if you have to install a plug-in PCMCIA (PC Card)
adapter, you don’t need to shut down Windows. Just plug in the card.
The Plug and Play system should take care of the rest for you.
After installation, confirm that the network adapter is installed and functioning by following these steps:
1. | Click Start, right-click Computer, and then select Manage.
|
2. | Select
the Device Manager in the left pane. The list in the right pane should
show only “first-level” items. Under Network Adapters, you should see
no items listed with an exclamation mark icon superimposed.
|
Caution
When
your network adapter is working and connected to your DSL or cable
modem, Windows may pop up a box asking you to set a location for the
network it has just detected. If you plugged your network adapter
directly into your cable or DSL modem, you must choose Public as the location, so that Windows knows to block network services that could be abused by hackers. |
Installing Filters for DSL Service
For
DSL service with self-installation, you will be provided with filters,
devices that plug into your telephone jacks and block the DSL signal
from reaching your telephones and answering machines. You need to
identify every phone jack that is connected to the line your DSL
service uses, and install a filter on every jack but the one that plugs
into your DSL modem. If you need to plug a phone into the same jack
that the DSL modem uses, use a dual jack adapter, with a filter on the
side that connects to the phone.
Tip
If
a jack is unused, you don’t need to plug a filter in it, but it’s a
good idea to put a label over the jack indicating that it carries the
DSL signal. This way you’ll remember to add a filter if you ever do
plug a phone or other device into this jack. |
Alternatively, the service installer might connect your telephone line to a device called a splitter
outside the house and will install a separate cable to bring the DSL
signal to your computer. These devices separate the high-frequency DSL
carrier signal from the normal telephone signal.
