You only need the drivers from the cd for the ethernet card to work.  
You might be able to copy the drivers to a floppy disk on another 
computer with both a cd drive and a floppy drive and then install the 
drivers on the old computer from the floppy.  You're good for files up 
to 1.44 mb in size on a floppy.   You will also need drivers installed 
in order for the cd drive to work, so the purchase should include a 
floppy disk with drivers.
However, having the cd drive on the old computer will make it easier to 
install any new software including games for the grandchildren.  You 
should be able to get a basic drive for $20 or less,  or speak to a few 
friends or neighbors for a used one.  Drivers are usually available for 
download for free off the internet.
Paul Hachmeyer

Cheryl wrote:

>I have an old ACER PC with Windows 95.  I want to connect it to the internet for my grandchildren to use.  Having no experience with installing computer hardware, I bought a router ... then discovered I needed an ethernet card (that had to be compatible with Windows 95) ... and now I need a CD drive to install the driver for the ethernet card.  Since I keep making errors in my purchases,this time I've decided to ask for help!  I just need a CD drive that's read only.  Do I need to find a CD Drive that's compatible with Windows 95?  Any suggestions?  (someone told me to look on newegg.com (which is where I found this website) but I still don't know which to buy, what to look for, if there are compatibility issues)
>
>Thanks for any advice you can share!!
>
>Cheryl
>
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