Computer Network Card

The computer network card, or NIC, will let your computer connect to other computers or to the internet.  Most motherboards have a built in network card.

If you want to be able to connect your computer to the internet, or any other computers, you'll need to have a network card.  

The technology on these cards has come a long way in a very short amount of time. If you are a gamer, getting a high quality network card will help you get the best pings and the best latency.  This will not only make your gameplay feel better, but, it can give you a tiny edge that shows up really fast in a first person shooter.

Speed and needing wireless network options are another reason people get additional NIC adapters.  If your motherboard only has 10/100, you may want to get a gigabit NIC, which is up to 10 times as fast as a 10/100 card.  If you need wireless, you will probably have to buy a stand alone card.

Installation

Installing your network card is a really simple task.  Simply remove the case of your computer, it's the left side if you have a computer tower case.  Open up a slot on the case that has the same interface as the network you bought.  Simply slide the card into place, mount it to the case with a screw, or snap it in depending how the case is set up, and you're finished.

If you're unsure of how to install this card, just look at how the other cards in the computer are mounted.  The NIC will be mounted in the same way.

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