Will my Dimension 8100 support IEEE 802.3ab speeds (1000 Mbps)? Yes, but why?  Are you connecting to a network that has 1000 Mbps speeds?  If you are just connecting to the internet, this is overkill, as even the fastest broadband connections will not be more than 5 Mbps.

Will my Dimension 8100 accomodate PCI 2.2? Yes.

Steve

Thanks, Steve.  I am considering joining a high speed network.

If I keep my original 3C920 Integrated Fast Ethernet Controller 3C905C-TX, purchased with my Dell Dimension 8100 in February 2001, I should update the drivers.  Tthere is an October 2001 driver download on the Dell download site for the original network controller. I have recently had to  reinstall my operating system and all programs due to a hard drive failure.

I am using Windows XP Professional, SP2.  What special precautions, if any, should I take in downloading the updated drivers mentioned herein from the Dell download site. 

Yes, I would recommend updating the drivers for the integrated network controller.  I did this long ago on my 8100 and have had no problems with it.

Steve