What is the difference between the Ethernet cable and the little card that slides into my laptop?

Answer 1

An Ethernet Cable is a 8 wires cable that connects to your computer with RJ-45 Plugs (a 8 pins plug). It is mostly used with standard, cable networks to establish communication between either your computer and another network component (router, hub, other computer) or an internet Component (modem). A usual Ethernet Cable ranges from a 10Mbps transfer to over 100Mbps. Their maximum lenght is usually 328 feet or 100 meters, even though some special cables can be longer. That little carde you slide in your laptop is probably a wireless network adapter for laptops. It usually acts the exact same way as an Ethernet Cable and establish connection between different network components. The main advantage of a wireless network adapter is that you are not limited by the cable and it often looks nicer. The main drawbacks are that the transfer rates are a bit lower and your network security may be a bit weaker. If you have to choose between one or the other, it is better to go for an Ethernet cable if you need speed and reliability. If you need to move around a lot with your laptop, you should definetly go for a wireless network adapter (that little card.)