Installing the NIC 19You also need to know the following about yournetwork environment: The kind of network cabling that is used to connect tothe network at your site. You must use the same kind ofnetwork cable, and the NIC that you install in your PCmust have a port that matches the connector on thenetwork cable that you use. Your network protocol (IPX, IP, NetBEUI, or TCP/IP).The next step is to install the NIC in the PC.If your PC is running Windows 95 or Windows 98, beforeyou install the NIC in your PC, be sure to perform thepreinstallation procedure. See “Performing thePreinstallation Procedure” on page 30.Installing the NICThe following instructions apply to installing the3C509B NIC in most PCs. If the instructions are notappropriate for your PC, see the documentation thataccompanied your PC. You must have one ISA orEISA slot available in your PC in which to install the NIC.CAUTION: Each NIC is packed in antistatic packaging toprotect it during shipment. Before handling the NIC, touchthe bare metal case of your PC. While you are handling theNIC, wear a wrist strap attached to the PC chassis.If your PC is running Windows 95 or Windows 98,do not install the NIC in your PC until you have run thepreinstallation procedure described in Chapter 2. If you donot run the preinstallation procedure, Windows will installthe default driver and the 3Com NIC Diagnostic programwill not be installed on your hard disk.Remove all jewelry from your hands and wrists and useonly insulated or nonconducting tools.Follow these steps to install the NIC in your PC:1 Turn off power to the PC, and remove the power cordfrom the PC.2 Unscrew the cover screws and remove the cover.On some PCs, it may be necessary to remove all cablesbefore the cover can be removed.
