Installing and Connecting the NIC

2Unpack and inspect the NIC for damage.

3Exit all open applications and user processes.

4Turn off the power to the computer and attached devices.

5Unplug the power cables from the power source.

6Remove the computer cover.

7Locate an empty, non-shared bus-mastering PCI slot and remove its slot cover. Save the screw, if there is one.

Do not install the NIC in a shared PCI slot. Avoid any PCI slot next to an ISA slot. This slot is often shared and does not support bus mastering.

If you do not know how to identify a PCI slot, check the computer documentation or ask the system administrator.

8Write down the MAC address of the NIC and note the relative position of the intended PCI slot.

The MAC address is the 12-digit hexadecimal number printed on the small bar code label on the component side of the NIC. This information is helpful when you are installing the network drivers and connecting the cables to the hub or switch.

The next step is to install the NIC in the computer and connect it to the network, as described in the next section.

Installing and Connecting the NIC

Observe the safety precautions listed in “Safety Precautions” on page 2.

The following instructions apply to installing the NIC in most computers. If these instructions are not appropriate for your computer, refer to the documentation that accompanied the computer.

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