A network adapter, also known as a network interface controller or network interface card, enables an Acer Aspire to connect to the Internet. Some network interface cards use Ethernet connections to access the Internet, while others use wireless, or Wi-Fi, technology. Current models feature integrated network adapters that are built into the motherboard, but older products require dedicated, or separate, cards that install to expansion slots on the board. If the Aspire is unable to connect to your business network -- or any other network -- the card might have come loose. Expansion Slots Network adapters connect to a peripheral component interconnect, or PCI, Express slot on the surface of the motherboard. Most models feature at least two slots, which are located toward the rear of the computer, on the opposite side of the peripheral ports. Adobe Master Collection Cs5 Portable. The copper connector on the side of the card slides into the gap in the expansion slot.

On the edge connector are keys, or notches, that you can use as a guide for determining whether or not the card is compatible with the slot. Device Driver After installing the network adapter, the associated drivers must be installed to the Aspire. Drivers are applications that allow the operating system to send instructions to a device or receive data from it. Most network interface cards come with a software CD that contains the drivers the operating system needs to interface with the device, but the card manufacturer should also have the software available on their official website.