In the coming months, you are going to hear some new terms as you get ready to hook up to the new City of Windom system. I’ll be devoting some column space now and in the future to help you understand some of these terms.

An Ethernet port, simply put, is a place on your computer that allows you to connect to a network. The network can be wired or wireless. In order to hook into the City’s new system (or network, to use the term loosely), you will need to have an Ethernet port. Ethernet ports come in a variety of forms. Most new computers have an Ethernet port built right into them.

They are a a part of the motherboard and are normally in the back of the computer next to other plug-ins. If you have a computer that is a little older, the Ethernet port isn’t built in, but may have been added in the form of a Ethernet Card, a card that is added to the computer. If you don’t have an Ethernet card or built-in port, you can purchase a card for very little and add it to an expansion slot of the computer. Other forms of Ethernet ports are wireless (wireless network required) or USB.

If all this is a little scary for you, contact me and I can recommend a solution for your needs, get you the right equipment, and even install it for you.

• Repair • Internet Hookup

• Networking • Purchase Assistance

• Advice • Home or Business

Don’t get frustrated. Many computer problems can be taken care of with patience and understanding. Contact Rick at iCitizen for your computer needs. From repair to common sense advice, Rick will help you find the computing solution taylored to fit your situation.