To create a network, the primary hardware device that you need is a network adapter, also called a network interface card (NIC). A NIC must be installed in each computer on the network. It’s actually the NICs (not the computer boxes) that are connected to create a network. NICs are traditionally connected via cable. I say traditionally because wireless solutions are also available for small networks, and you may prefer to take that route.

Also, even though the term NIC is still commonly used, not all network interface devices are cards anymore. Today, you can connect a network interface adapter device to a Universal Serial Bus (USB). However, because of the widespread use of the jargon NIC, I use that term generically throughout the book.

The only rule for creating a network is that you must have a NIC in each computer. Beyond that, you have enough choices to make your head spin. I’ll try to slow the spin rate by explaining the options before I drag you into the actual installation process. NICs come in lots of flavors, and when you buy NICs, you must match them to two important elements:

The type of network interface device that your computer accepts.
The type of network cabling that you want to use.