Local area connection?

[Medea]

I finally updated my laptop to XP Svc Pack 2 - no problems with installation.

However, after installation, a new icon appeared in the bottom tray - a Local Area Connection. The laptop is not networked to any other computer (I am completely naive about LAN's since I haven't had the need to set up one).

What exactly is the Local Area Connection? I tried disabling it but wasn't able to log on, so I enabled it again. I have DSL. I googled it, but the sites that came up discussed it in conjunction with LAN's which I don't have.

M.

 

[dclive]

Originally posted by: Medea
I finally updated my laptop to XP Svc Pack 2 - no problems with installation.

However, after installation, a new icon appeared in the bottom tray - a Local Area Connection. The laptop is not networked to any other computer (I am completely naive about LAN's since I haven't had the need to set up one).

What exactly is the Local Area Connection? I tried disabling it but wasn't able to log on, so I enabled it again. I have DSL. I googled it, but the sites that came up discussed it in conjunction with LAN's which I don't have.

M.

It's the network connection that allows you to get onto your DSL line (assuming you're using your network / ethernet port, rather than your USB port, for DSL).

Most computers nowadays ship with a "local area connection" - typically it's the ethernet port on the PC.

 

[Medea]

Thanks, dclive. I am using an ethernet port. I wish some of the sites I went to could've explained it as well as you did.

 

[quentinterintino]

You can also hide that icon if it bothers you - there's no point IMO to have it unless you're checking signal strength of wireless