Our last article, here at Computer Repair Calgary, began a discussion relating to the network card. As usual, a short refresher is in order. A computer’s network card is an electronic device (sometimes integrated into your motherboard, other times an external piece of hardware) whose main goal is to allow your computer to communicate with other electronic devices; most often routers and other computers. Some network cards are said to be “wired” because they need to be connected to a physical Ethernet wire in order to communicate. Other network cards are said to be “wireless” because they can communicate with specially designed wireless routers through the air (without the use of any cord). If you are unsure about your own situation, take a look at the back of your PC. Is there a cord sticking out of it which looks similar to a fat telephone cord? Furthermore, does this cord connect into a wall outlet or a router? If such a cord exists, then your network card is said to be a “wired” variant. If not, and you are able to access the Internet, then you have a wireless network card. Computer Repair Calgary generalizes it as follows: desktop machines tend to be wired simply because they don’t need to be moved very often. Laptops, on the other hand, tend to be wireless since their whole design philosophy is based around constant movement (good luck finding an Ethernet cord to connect your computer to at the local Starbucks or McDonalds).
So what are some of the symptoms that your network card is not working? Before we answer this question, let’s refer back to our definition above. Now, what is the goal of the network card? As we stated previously, it is to communicate with other electronic devices. So what happens when your machine is no longer able to communicate with routers or other PCs? Typically, it means that you are no longer able to partake in activities which rely upon other technological devices. For instance, generally, you will be unable to access the Internet since, in order to do so your computer must communicate with a wide range of other machines. However, a malfunctioning network card may also cause problems with your ability to print if you are accessing a network printer (since once again, the communication channel has been interrupted).
Diagnosing that a problem exists is generally not very difficult. It is easy to tell when your Internet is not working or your printer is not printing. The problem arises when trying to determine where the actual issue arises. This is because a network is usually composed of tens, hundreds, or thousands of computers and other electronic devices (for instance, the home out of which Computer Repair Calgary works has several computers and a few routers). Consequently, say you can’t access the Internet. There may be a problem with your network card. There may be a problem with the connection between your network card and your ADSL modem or Cable modem (the guys who are an intermediary between your house and the outside world). There may be a problem with one of your routers. There may be a problem with your Internet Service Provider (perhaps their computers or routers are not working correctly). As you can see, true diagnosis becomes somewhat difficult.
Despite saying this, we here at Computer Repair Calgary urge you to try a little do it yourself computer repair. This is why, in our next lesson, we will show you a few general techniques which can be used to help determine where the problem actually exists. Today, we simply want you to come away with two important points. First of all, the major symptom of a malfunctioning network card is an inability to access the Internet. Second of all, the major symptom of a number of other network issues is the inability to access the Internet. In the computer world you can’t always jump to conclusions (logically speaking: A does not necessarily imply B).
Fortunately, you, the computer user, only have to deal with a few of the potential problematic situations. If it is your network card, or your house’s networking that is problematic then it is up to you to find the solution to the problem. However, if it is your Internet Service Provider’s ADSL modem or Cable modem; or if it is your Internet Service Providers network which is at fault then all you have to do is call them up and state that issues are occurring. Upon learning of the problems, they will likely be able to resolve the problem in a short period of time.
Hopefully you have found this discussion illuminating. Next time, Computer Repair Calgary will begin a discussion on how to repair a home computer network from a variety of angles. We hope that you come back and join us.
So what are some of the symptoms that your network card is not working? Before we answer this question, let’s refer back to our definition above. Now, what is the goal of the network card? As we stated previously, it is to communicate with other electronic devices. So what happens when your machine is no longer able to communicate with routers or other PCs? Typically, it means that you are no longer able to partake in activities which rely upon other technological devices. For instance, generally, you will be unable to access the Internet since, in order to do so your computer must communicate with a wide range of other machines. However, a malfunctioning network card may also cause problems with your ability to print if you are accessing a network printer (since once again, the communication channel has been interrupted).
Diagnosing that a problem exists is generally not very difficult. It is easy to tell when your Internet is not working or your printer is not printing. The problem arises when trying to determine where the actual issue arises. This is because a network is usually composed of tens, hundreds, or thousands of computers and other electronic devices (for instance, the home out of which Computer Repair Calgary works has several computers and a few routers). Consequently, say you can’t access the Internet. There may be a problem with your network card. There may be a problem with the connection between your network card and your ADSL modem or Cable modem (the guys who are an intermediary between your house and the outside world). There may be a problem with one of your routers. There may be a problem with your Internet Service Provider (perhaps their computers or routers are not working correctly). As you can see, true diagnosis becomes somewhat difficult.
Despite saying this, we here at Computer Repair Calgary urge you to try a little do it yourself computer repair. This is why, in our next lesson, we will show you a few general techniques which can be used to help determine where the problem actually exists. Today, we simply want you to come away with two important points. First of all, the major symptom of a malfunctioning network card is an inability to access the Internet. Second of all, the major symptom of a number of other network issues is the inability to access the Internet. In the computer world you can’t always jump to conclusions (logically speaking: A does not necessarily imply B).
Fortunately, you, the computer user, only have to deal with a few of the potential problematic situations. If it is your network card, or your house’s networking that is problematic then it is up to you to find the solution to the problem. However, if it is your Internet Service Provider’s ADSL modem or Cable modem; or if it is your Internet Service Providers network which is at fault then all you have to do is call them up and state that issues are occurring. Upon learning of the problems, they will likely be able to resolve the problem in a short period of time.
Hopefully you have found this discussion illuminating. Next time, Computer Repair Calgary will begin a discussion on how to repair a home computer network from a variety of angles. We hope that you come back and join us.
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