First, you need a LAN adapter that is supported by the LAN and OS, ie. Ethernet/Token-Ring/ArcNet/Fiber etc. and its drivers.
Second, you configure the transport stack i.e TCP/IP/IPX/SPX etc. depending on the topology and transport protocol.
Third try to connect to any local resource and then a remote one. In case of TCP/IP the default gateway, DNS, and proper IP/Mask need to be set.
If you can properly access all the required resources you have properly installed and new device into your environment.