Network Interface Card (NIC)

The NIC (Network Interface Card) is used to connect computers together in a LAN (Local Area Network). Computers are either connected together using a cross over cable or if there are more than two computers they connect to a HUB or Switch.

For the computers to communicate you need what’s called Protocols. Protocols are a set of rules so that the computers (called Nodes) on a Network can communicate effectively. With out protocols the computers won’t know what language to speak and when.

The most popular Protocol is TCP/IP (Transmission Connection Protocol/Internet Protocols) which is the Protocol that enables computers to communicate over the Internet.

To install you NIC you need to open the computer case, find a spare PCI slot remembering to remove the blank backing plate. Next insert with a little pressure and the NIC should slot into place. Screw the NIC to the computer case and replace the cover.