i have on laptop from 96 and it doesn't have a ethernet port. should i look for an adapter?

Question

i really love my laptop but i want to use it on the internet. it only has a dial-up port. should i upgrade it or what? help meeeee!

Answer 1

You can get a PCMCIA network adapter cheap- probably $25, and that would add a network port to your old laptop.

The problem is your operating system- it's unlikely that any hardware you buy today will have Windows 98 (let alone Windows 95) driver software included.

The new wireless network cards- forget it, those require a newer operating system and your machine is WAY too slow for those to work properly, anyway.

And these days it's not really a good idea to be cruising the Internet with machines running anything older than Windows 2000. Microsoft discontinued support for Windows 98 a few years back, and there are security holes/bugs that willl never be fixed. Even with antivirus software, you'll still be vunerable.

So upgrading to a newer laptop is best, but in a pinch, a network card (preferably off Ebay, where you might find an older one with the old software) would work...

Answer 2

There is some decent advice here. You can get an ethernet adapter, but you probably have Windows 95 or you may have upgraded to 98. Neither of these are supported anymore, and any hardware you get will not have drivers for Win9x.

If you really want to keep and use this laptop and put in an adapter, I'd recommend loading Linux on it. There are several distributions that are designed for older hardware. Take a look at Zenwalk Linux. It's pretty complete and geared for old hardware.

Answer 3

I understand that you can get really attached to a piece of kit.

You really should consider getting a new one, you can get a half decent one for around £400 if you are in the UK ($700 in the US). You will be amazed at how fast they are now !

You can still keep and use your trusty old favourite for secondary tasks.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

You might be able to find an adapter, try Best Buy. I'm not sure if they will have anything for it though. I'm suprised the hard drive has lasted 11 years.

Answer 5

1996 yes you should update, but if you don't want to you pan buy pcmcia Ethernet adapters or usb Ethernet adapters.

Answer 6

its too old..get a new one. If it doesn't have an ethernet port, its not going to work well on the internet anyway. its 11 years old. its reached its life expectancy.