Until a few years ago, when laptops were bigger, Ethernet ports were always present. Today, with the spread of wifi networks, the cable connection seems almost an option and the ethernet port to connect the network cable is no longer obvious, indeed, very often it is not installed in the computer.
Fortunately, installing an ethernet card to use the cable network is not at all difficult or expensive, whether it is a desktop computer or a laptop.
The Ethernet network card is still very useful not only to connect to the internet by exploiting the greater cable speed than the wireless one, but also to connect to the internet directly via the modem or to take advantage of sharing from other computers connected in a network wired.
READ ALSO: Differences between Ethernet, CAT5 and CAT6 cables and which ones to use
To install an ethernet network card on a fixed PC it is necessary to open the case, which can frighten the less experienced.
If you prefer, you can also use a USB - Ethernet adapter, which is the only way to add the network port on laptops.
To add the Ethernet card to a desktop PC, turn off the computer, disconnect it from the mains, open the case and touch something metal to remove the electrostatic charges from the hands.
The ethernet card is installed in a free slot on the back of the computer, usually near the video card.
Insert it and push it down until it is fixed (always without forcing), making sure that the notches are not aligned correctly.
Then tighten the screw and reassemble the case.
As an Ethernet network card you can buy this on Amazon for less than 10 Euros.
Once inserted, nothing else is needed and Windows should recognize it without problems.
In case of problems you can still download the driver of the network card to be installed on a Windows PC
To have the Ethernet port on portable PCs, you cannot mount a fixed network card and instead you need to buy a very cheap Ethernet - USB port .
A USB Ethernet adapter costs only 10 Euros on Amazon and does not require any assembly as it attaches to the USB port.
A better adapter is that of Plugable, from 20 Euro, which works with all Windows, Linux and Mac computers and also with Chromebooks, Microsoft's Surface Pros, with some Android smartphones and tablets and also with consoles such as the Wii.
If you want to take advantage of the full speed of a LAN and USB 3.0 ports, you can buy the Plugable USB 3.0, as fast as an ethernet card for fixed PCs, for Windows, Mac and Linux.
To take advantage of the Ethernet port, in addition to connecting the device and installing the driver provided by the adapter manufacturer's website (usually included on a CD), it may also be necessary to make a small change to the Windows network settings.
Windows should, by default, prioritize the Ethernet connection over the Wi-Fi connection.
To be sure or to change this option, on Windows 7 you can set the priority of network connections or even force Windows to use the cable connection (faster) and not the wireless one.
