Expansion cards include graphics cards, modems, ethernet cards, sound cards, USB and Firewire ports, and cards that will connect your computer to nearly any imaginable piece of hardware.

Installing an expansion card is among the easiest and most painless procedures possible to perform on a computer. Before doing it, read the manual that came with the card, if any, so that you will know about any special connections or features the device may have.

First, open up the case. Make sure to take all precautions, using either an antistatic wristband or touching the case with your hand before you beging work.

Second, locate a slot of the appropriate type (AGP, PCI, ISA). If there is a card in it that you are replacing, undo the screw holding the card in, and remove the card, preferably by applying pressure to both ends of the card. If there is a metal placeholder covering the slot, remove that in a simlar manner.

Once the slot is empty, insert the new card into the slot, again applying pressure to both ends. When it is inserted firmly into the slot (Do not be afraid to use pressure, especially with some AGP cards), screw in the card with the screw removed from the old card or bracket.

Now turn on the computer and install the drivers for the card, which will most likely be on a disc that came with the product.

With sound cards, you will have to make an additional connection to the CD-ROM drive in order to play CDs from your computer. The cable for this will most likely be included in your sound card's box, or, if you are replacing an old sound card, you may have one already connected to it. These cables connect to the sound card on one side, and to the socket marked audio on the rear panel of a CD-ROM drive.

Driver software for your cards usually comes with the card on a cd-rom. However, it is always preferable to get the latest drivers from the internet. Driver software is updated frequently to elimate bugs and improve performance. The manufacturers site is the first place to look. Check the sidebar for links.