- What Ports Can You Add?
- Buying a Port Expansion Card
- Upgrade #1: Adding a New Port Card
- Upgrade #2: Adding an External USB Hub
- Upgrade #3: Adding Ports to a Portable PC
- The Absolute Minimum
Upgrade #1: Adding a New Port Card
To install a port expansion card, grab your Phillips head screwdriver and follow these steps:
Close Windows and power off your PC.
Disconnect your PC from its power source.
Open the system unit case.
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Locate an unused PCI card slot (see Figure 3.2).
Figure 3.2 Locate an empty PCI slot; if you have several empty slots, leave an empty slot between an old card and the new one you're installing.
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Remove the cover to the selected slot (on the back of the system unit).
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Insert the card into the open slot (see Figure 3.3).
Figure 3.3 Use firm pressure to push the card into the slotand make sure that the card is firmly seated.
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Screw the card bracket into place, using the screw from the slot cover (see Figure 3.4).
Figure 3.4 Be careful when screwing the card into place; it's easy to slip and damage nearby components with the tip of your screwdriver.
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Reinstall the system unit cover and reconnect the PC to its power source.
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Restart your computer.
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When prompted, install the drivers for your new card.
That's it. As soon as your computer is configured for the new ports, they're ready to use!