Most relatively new laptops have two of these slots on the side, allowing you to have both a modem and an Ethernet card if you so desire. Windows desktop computers use larger Ethernet cards which are put into an ISA or a PCI slot. This involves opening up the casing of your computer to install the new hardware. Once your computer is equipped with Ethernet, you will need an RJ-45 patch cable to connect the computer to the Ethernet jack. You cannot substitute a phone cable for a patch cable.
Patch cables are thicker because they have twisted wires inside.
The jack itself is also wider than that of a phone cable, because there are more wires. A patch cable will be supplied to you free of charge at the beginning of the school year. The following chart will help you to determine which card is appropriate for your computer, as well as show you our current price for the hardware you need. Please be near your computer and have it booted up when you call. Ethernet cards for Windows computers are available during the ResNet Fairs at the start of each school year.