1. After purchasing the PCI adapter, turn off your desktop computer and disconnect all power and other cables from it.

2. Open the PC chassis. Check your user’s manual for this procedure, which usually involves removing a few screws and popping the cover off your tower.

3. Touch a metal object (not the computer) to get rid of any static discharge before you reach inside the computer.

4. Locate an empty slot for the PCI adapter and if necessary remove the protective cover from it. Again, check your manual for the exact location in your system.

5. Remove the adapter from its packaging. Handling it by its edges, line it up with the slot and insert it firmly but gently.

6. Make sure you don’t disconnect any wires or leave loose screws inside the PC chassis; then replace the computer cover and reinsert the screws.

Leave the parts that you’re going to insert in your computer in their packaging until you need them. If they sit around on your desktop or elsewhere, they could pick up static discharge, which could be harmful to your computer.

7. Plug in the computer and turn it on. Your computer should sense the new adapter when it starts up and display the Installing Device Driver pop-up above your taskbar.

8. Windows Vista might automatically set up the hardware. If Windows Vista can’t find a driver for the adapter, you might have to provide it.

9. When the process is complete, a pop-up appears stating that your hardware driver is installed and ready to use.

If Windows Vista cannot find the driver, use the diskette or CD that came with the adapter — or you can usually download the driver from your hardware manufacturer’s Web site for free. Use the Browse button to navigate to the location where you downloaded the driver, and then proceed with the wizard. Install a PCI Network Adapter