NIC
Short for Network Interface Card, a NIC is also commonly referred to as an
Ethernet card and network adapter and is an expansion card that enables a computer to connect to a network such as a home network or the Internet using an Ethernet cable with a RJ-45
connector. In the picture to the right, is an example of a SMC EZ Card 10/100 PCI network card,
a network card commonly found in most desktop computers today that do not already have an integrated network on their
motherboard.
The second bottom image on the right, is another example of a network card, a PC Card SMC EZ Card 10/100
wireless network card. These cards are used in laptop computers that do not have a built-in wireless network.
Also see: Connection, Network definitions, Processing device