DSL Modem

Hi all, I've asked this question on another forum and can't seem to get an answer. Dell Dimension 4100, XP Home, 512 ram, 56k modem. I am going to get DSL. The telco is sending the modem and software. What I need to know is; do I need to get a NIC for this computer? When I go to System Info>Network, it shows Adapter,Protocol,Winsock. I do not know enough about computers to know if I can connect this DSL modem with what I have or if I need to get the Network Interface Card. If so what do I get? Thanks

 

Dellâ„¢ Dimensionâ„¢ 4100 System Reference
In reference section, click on NIC .... Integrated Intel 10/100 Ethernet Controller Driver (Intel 82562ET chip set) It would appear you have a built in NIC on motherboard. You can also check in Device Manager under "Network Adapters ". Click on the phrase to show model. Your DSL modem may provide two options to connect to computer ... NIC or USB. Most users would reccomend NIC connection. USB can be a challenging interface within network communications.

 

Sorry to be so dumb but, what does the NIC connection on the back of the computer look like? A regular phone line connection? Or what? Thanks

 

Not dumb, we all have to start somewhere. Yes just like a phone connection, only larger. You may need the cable, the ones I know are Cat 5 and I think the connectors are called RJ45 (just ask for standard cable). You should be able to get various lenghts at your local electronics store (some department stores may stock them).

Matt

 

Thanks to all for your responses. I now have the DSL modem installed and up and running via the usb connection as this ol' computer does NOT have ethernet. It was a very easy install with the telco's instructions and I have to say that XP makes things a lot easier than it used to be with some other OS's. Thanks again for being so understanding with a complete newbie. There are some on other forums that will remain unnamed that seem to have a condesending attitude to some of the questions asked, not only by me but others. Best Regards to all, Frank

 

Again, I asked this question on Dell Forum and can't seem to get an answer. I connected this DSL modem to the computer using USB as this computer has no ethernet/network adapter. I will install a network interface card, because the telco says that is the preferred way. My question is will the connection be faster via ethernet as opposed to USB? This computer has USB 1.1, I think. If I am posting this in the wrong place, I apologise! Where should it be? Thanks