Can't connect to internet with network card.

Hello. Im having a problem with my network card. Im a bit limited when it comes to computers so this may sound pretty simple to you guys.

Currently I connect to the internet using a broadband connection through a digital set top box. The cable is a standard ethernet cable I think and runs from the box through some kind of converter to go into a USB port in the back of my computer. However, I am under the impression that going through the USB will slow the connection down. Is this correct?

Basically I have a network card in my computer (which Im sure works properly as I have used it in a small network in my house). I want to remove the converter and attach the cable directly into the ethernet card. However, when I do this I lose my connection to the internet. Im sure something must be happening, as a green light comes on on the back of the network card. What am I doing wrong? It is possible to connect to the internet using an ethernet connection rather than a USB isn't it? Do I have something I need to set up in windows?

If it helps Im running Windows XP and my network card is listed in device manager as REALTEK RTL8029(AS)-based ethernet adapter (Generic).

Thanks.

Well, in order to have a ome network, I'm sure you've got a Router or a Switch/Hub right? Well, you've got to pass the cable coming from the DSL modem through the first port of that Router or Switch/Hub in order to wire-it-up right. The green light in the back is simply indicating the active connection, don't worry. And the USB DSL connection is just as fast, actually USB transfers are up to 40mb per second for USB1.1, way faster than "high speed" or even"ultra high speed" internet connections.

Staggering out of the shower this morning, I hear the hair-dryer. "Whose awake?" I think... Till I realize its my computer - talk about a windtunnel

I doubt it (because you said you have green lights), but you may need a crossover cable

<i>It's always the one thing you never suspected.</i>