6. Firmly but gently insert the network card into the empty PCI slot. 7. Secure the network card by fastening a screw or snapping the plastic arm back into place (see Figure 13-10). Figure 13-10: Securing the PCI card 8. If any wires or cables inside the computer were accidentally disconnected while installing the network card, reconnect them. 9. Close the case, and then return the base unit to your desk. 10. Reconnect the wires and cables into the back of the base unit, and then plug the computer into an electrical outlet and turn it on. 11. After Windows detects the network card, it searches for a “driver” to finish the setup. If the correct driver isn’t found, you need to install it by using the setup CD that came with the network card. Note Even if you use a Wi-Fi card, it is a good idea to have an Ethernet card in your computer as a backup. Chapter 13: Upgrade Your PC 177 19_068557 ch13.qxp 12/13/06 6:17 PM Page 177 Please purchase PDF Split-Merge on www.verypdf.com to remove this watermark. Replace Your Video Card A video card is the important piece of hardware that sends images from your computer to your monitor. If the bulk of your computer activities involves the use of programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Internet Explorer, you don’t need a powerful video card. However, if you want to play the newest PC video games that have cutting-edge graphics, you will need to upgrade to a fast video card. 1. Find out what type of video card your computer uses (PCI, AGP, or PCIe) by referring to section “Determine the Video Card’s Interface” in Chapter 12. 2. Purchase a new video card from a computer or electronics store or from an Internet retailer. 3. Turn off your computer and unplug it from all electrical out- lets.This will prevent you from receiving a serious electrical shock and will protect the computer from being damaged. 4. Disconnect all wires and cables from the back of the com- puter’s base unit, and then place the unit on a wooden floor or table. Do not attempt to perform any hands-on computer work while standing or sitting on a carpet or rug. Doing so can generate static electricity that can travel from your body into the computer and damage or destroy your hardware. 5. Remove the computer’s cover. For more information, refer to the section “Open Your Computer’s Case” in Chapter 12. 6. Based on the type of interface used by your new video card, locate an empty PCI slot, an empty AGP slot, or an empty PCIe slot. Remove the slot’s metal or plastic cover by unfastening the screw or plastic arm that holds it in place. 7. Firmly but gently insert the video card into the appropriate slot. 8. Secure the video card by fastening a screw or snapping the plastic arm back into place (see Figure 13-11). 9. If any wires or cables inside the computer were accidentally disconnected while installing the video card, reconnect them. 10. Close the case, and then return the base unit to your desk. 178 Part III • Bonus Material 19_068557 ch13.qxp 12/13/06 6:17 PM Page 178 Please purchase PDF Split-Merge on www.verypdf.com to remove this watermark. Figure 13-11: Securing the PCI card 11. Reconnect the wires and cables into the back of the base unit, and then plug the computer into an electrical outlet and turn it on. 12. After Windows detects the new video card, it searches for a “driver” to finish the setup. Do not use the standard, default drivers that Windows installs.The only way to enjoy the powerful features of your new video card is to install the special drivers and software located on the setup CD that came with it. Replace Your Sound Card If you enjoy playing video games or watching DVD movies on your computer, you should consider upgrading your sound card to one that has enhanced features such as Dolby Digital 5.1 or 7.1 sur- round sound. 1. Purchase a new sound card from a computer or electronics store or from an Internet retailer. Chapter 13: Upgrade Your PC 179 19_068557 ch13.qxp 12/13/06 6:17 PM Page 179 Please purchase PDF Split-Merge on www.verypdf.com to remove this watermark. 2. Turn off your computer and unplug it from all electrical out- lets.This will prevent you from receiving a serious electrical shock and will protect the computer from being damaged. 3. Disconnect all wires and cables from the back of the com- puter’s base unit, and then place the unit on a wooden floor or table. Do not attempt to perform any hands-on computer work while standing or sitting on a carpet or rug. Doing so can generate static electricity that can travel from your body into the computer and damage or destroy your hardware. 4. Remove the computer’s cover. For more information, refer to the section “Open Your Computer’s Case” found in Chapter 12. 5. Locate an empty PCI slot (see Figure 13-12), and then remove the slot’s metal or plastic cover by unfastening the screw or plastic arm that holds it in place. Figure 13-12: Example of an empty PCI slot 6. Firmly but gently insert the sound card into the empty PCI slot. 7. Secure the sound card by fastening a screw or snapping the plastic arm back into place (see Figure 13-13). 180 Part III • Bonus Material 19_068557 ch13.qxp 12/13/06 6:17 PM Page 180 Please purchase PDF Split-Merge on www.verypdf.com to remove this watermark. Figure 13-13: Securing the PCI card 8. If any wires or cables inside the computer were accidentally disconnected while installing the sound card, reconnect them. 9. Close the case, and then return the base unit to your desk. 10. Reconnect the wires and cables into the back of the base unit, and then plug the computer into an electrical outlet and turn it on. 11. After Windows detects the new sound card, it searches for a “driver” to finish the setup. Do not use the standard, default drivers that Windows installs.The only way to enjoy the powerful features of your new sound card is to install the special drivers and software located on the setup CD that came with it. Chapter 13: Upgrade Your PC 181 19_068557 ch13.qxp 12/13/06 6:17 PM Page 181 Please purchase PDF Split-Merge on www.verypdf.com to remove this watermark. . using the setup CD that came with the network card. Note Even if you use a Wi-Fi card, it is a good idea to have an Ethernet card in your computer as a backup. Chapter 13: Upgrade Your PC 177 19_068557. remove this watermark. Replace Your Video Card A video card is the important piece of hardware that sends images from your computer to your monitor. If the bulk of your computer activities involves. movies on your computer, you should consider upgrading your sound card to one that has enhanced features such as Dolby Digital 5.1 or 7.1 sur- round sound. 1. Purchase a new sound card from a computer