Most PCs are typically equipped
for connecting to a network. They can communicate with other
PCs, printers or cable & DSL modems through their Network
Interface Card (NIC). Ethernet adapter is a synonymous term
and used interchangeably.
The NIC plugs into a slot
on the motherboard or is built right into the board. Many PCs
now include a network interface built into the motherboard.
Cards are typically rated for their speed capability of 10,
100 or 1,000 Mbps (mega bitsper
second. In the case of 1,000 Mbps, it is more correctly referred
to as a Gigabit.
