Determining network card so I can get drivers.

With the problem I had, I decided to reformat and start anew, which is good since my computer hadn't been cleaned since February.

Anyway I reformatted, used my recovery CD, but now my ethernet card doesn't have drivers, and I'm using my cable modem's USB to connect to the Internet. My question is how do I determine what network card I have so I can download the appropriate drivers and unplug this USB cable which is taking up valuable space?

 

If you purchased the computer as a complete unit easiest thing is to try the computer manufacturer's website. The big names usually have fairly extensive support sites that will allow you to find the details of you PC from its serial number and model number. With smaller manufacturers, you may have to ring the support line.

If this option is not open to you, the easiest way to find out the network card model is often to open the PC and look inside.

If your computer is fairly new, there is a good chance the network card is part of the motherboard. If this is the case, the network card port is usually in amongst the other ports (such as USB, mouse and keyboard). In this situation, the thing to do first is identify the motherboard. You should then be able to get the network card drivers from the motherboard manufacturer's site.

The alternative is a stand-alone card in it own slot on the motherboard.

To identify a stand-alone network card or a motherboard, the simplest way is often to look at the board itself. There is often a manufacturer's name printed on the board/card. These is usually a model number. If you find a model number but no manufacturer, a google search of the model number will usually identify the card.