Network adapter software helps make your Internet connection work.
Every time you sit down to Web surf on your computer, it takes a careful orchestration of software and hardware to make it all work. Layers of programs, known as the OSI Seven-Layer Model, communicate with the Ethernet adapter circuit, which send data bits back and forth through your Internet connection. Your browser program passes information to the operating system, which in turn signals Ethernet adapter driver software.
Ethernet
For computers to communicate, they must share a common set of hardware and software standards. For example, they must have the same connecting plugs and data-passing methods. Invented in the 1970s, Ethernet allows computers from different manufacturers to "talk" with one another. A key part of Ethernet is the adapter card, a circuit board that plugs into the computer and translates its data into communications signals. Along with the adapter card, the computer needs a driver program to make the adapter work.
Operating System
Whether you use Microsoft Windows, Linux or have Apple's Mac OS X, your computer's operating system needs a piece of software to use an Ethernet adapter. This software, called the driver, serves as a bridge between the operating system and the adapter. When you use any program to send data over the Internet, the operating system intercepts the data and passes it along to the driver.
Driver
When you purchase an Ethernet adapter card, the box will have a compact disc containing driver software. Installing the adapter card involves both inserting the circuit card into the computer and copying the driver software onto your hard drive. The driver takes data from the operating system, packages it into bundles of bits according to Ethernet standards, and instructs the adapter card to transmit the data over the Ethernet cable. If it detects a problem while sending or receiving data, the driver sends an error message to the operating system.
Compatibility
In order for the driver to work correctly, the driver's programmers must understand subtle details of the operating system. With many different versions of Linux, Windows and Mac OS X available, the adapter will work with only a limited number of the most recent. When you purchase an Ethernet adapter, check the hardware and software compatibility requirements.
Tags: Ethernet adapter, adapter card, operating system, driver software, your Internet connection, data over