[per loin]

Ethernet is a system of hooking computers together so that they can communicate with each other or share a connection to the internet. If you have only one computer in your home or office, you will not need or use ethernet.

The cards (Network Interface Cards - NICs) that are used for ethernet have a connection that looks like an enlarged female phone connection on them. On newer computers the connections are built into the motherboards.

The NICs connect together with a wire called CAT5 (Catagory 5) . The 10/100 designation tells the speed that they can operate at.

[Fishrrman]

per loin wrote:
Ethernet is a system of hooking computers together so that they can communicate with each other or share a connection to the internet. If you have only one computer in your home or office, you will not need or use ethernet.

Even with only a single computer, you will need Ethernet for the best connection to a DSL modem or to a cable modem. DSL and cable modems _do_ sometimes provide a USB connection, but Ethernet is the better way to go -- it's faster.

- John

[MainFrame65]

"... If you have only one computer in your home or office, you will not need or use ethernet. ..."

True if you will use only a dialup connection, otherwise possibly false. If you intend to use either cable or DSL service instead, the service provider will require a
converter/router interface box (incorrectly referred to as a modem) that probably will have one or more ethernet ports for your computer(s). I have heard that some might offer a USB connection, but you would have to ask.