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Ethernet:
Ethernet can be defined as a family of frame-based computer networking technologies for local area networks (LANSs). It is in use from around 1980, and still it is under use. Ethernet is standardized as IEEE 802.3. The combination of twisted pair versions of Ethernet for connecting end systems to network is the most widespread wired LAN technology. This technology is for local area networks. Coaxial carries radio frequency signals between computers at a rate of 10 megabytes per second.
It defines a number of signaling standards for the physical layer of the OSI networking model, and also a common addressing format at data link layer.
Installing Ethernet drivers:
Ethernet cards require a driver to be installed before they work properly. New hardware devices normally come with a driver installation CD, which is used for installation, and some times you need to install a driver manually.
First recognize your Ethernet card. Then Click on Start, go to Control Panel, then open Administrative tools, then Computer Management, and then Click Device Manager. Look for Network Adapters, and click on it to get the list of devices. Right click the Ethernet device and select ?Properties?. The device type, and manufacturer should be listed there.
Make use of the information concerning your Ethernet card in order to search for the drivers at the website of your Card?s manufacturer. From the website you should download the driver that is intended for use with your Ethernet card type. Double click the setup or install the driver file. When the installation is complete you should restart your laptop.
Common Ethernet drivers:
There are many different Ethernet drivers available in CDs and websites. The most suitable driver to use is one, which comes with the Ethernet Card but there are also commonly used Ethernet drivers, which can be used to install most of the Ethernet cards. These commonly used drivers are lo--driver for Ethernet (10BaseT), hme--driver for fast Ethernet, eri--driver for fast Ethernet, ge--driver for Gigabit Ethernet. These are some of the most commonly used Ethernet drivers. Each of the above drivers is used according to the specifications and requirements of the Ethernet card, for example, hme--driver can be used for fast Ethernet but it may not be able to use for Gigabyte Ethernet. | 
