After physically installing a new network interface card (NIC) in a newly assembled Windows PC, which action should you perform first to make the adapter functional?
Enable the adapter in Windows Control Panel
Install or update the NIC driver using Device Manager
Verify the adapter is on the Windows Hardware Compatibility List (HCL)
A compatible driver must be loaded before the operating system can communicate with the NIC. Device Manager lets you install the manufacturer's driver or search Windows Update for one. Integrated or add-in NICs are usually enabled in firmware by default, and Control Panel does not disable new hardware automatically. Checking the Hardware Compatibility List should have occurred before purchase, not after installation.
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What is the role of a Network Interface Card (NIC) in a computer system?
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Why is it important to update drivers for hardware components like the NIC?
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What is the Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) and why is it significant?