[Mi Corazon]

drive? My PC has a normal CD drive so I can't watch DVDs; my friend just gave me a DVD-Rom drive and my PC doesn't have an extra drive slot. Can I just open the PC, unplug the CD drive I have and plug in the DVD-Rom drive so that I could start watching DVDs on my PC? Do I need a sofwatre or I can get one free online?He also gave me a TV card; what's that for and how does it work? Does this also need a software?

[Thrill K]

you will need the drivers for the dvd and the tv card. The tv card lets you watch television channels on your PC.

[+Oscar+]

Windows media player can play your dvds and its free... you will need drivers to run your dvd-rom drive... check the manufacturers for drives compatible with your dvd drive... The tv card is for watching tv on your pc... you need to install it on the back of the pc (a open port) and install the drivers as well. You will need windows media center or an equal software to watch tv.I hope this helps. :)

[lowrider6204]

your gonna need software to play dvd's . get this http://www.videolan.org/vlc/ it's free. and the tv card is for playing tv signals on your comp and yes you need software for that too check the maker's website

[Simon P]

Ok, not sure about the TV card but the DVD drive i can help you with. It all depends on the make of the dvd drive. I know that some third party DVD roms are actually plug and play and self installation. Now, what i would recommend is that you try it first, plug it is and see if the power is on. The windows thing shoudl alert you of new drivers. It will either come up the new dialogue box explaining to enter the cd, or will say in a speech bubble its installed. If the dialogue box opens, go onto the internt and search in Google "driver [name of your dvd drive including the model] and download it. If you have trouble finding the driver, you might want to try the official website for the DVD drive. I hope this was helpful.

[Dave Hybrid]

A DVD drive will work with no drivers, windows has them automatically.

You will however need software to play DVDs, something like the aforementioned Video-LAN or Power-DVD.

Burning DVDs will also require additional software.

As for the TV card that will need drivers and software most likely easily obtained from the manufacturers website.

Dave.

[Wolfeymole]

The only exception to Dave's excellent advice is where some drives like Pioneer or Samsung may need a Firmware ugrade.