More then 70 percent of the United States population uses Internet access, according to June 2010 statistics published by Internet World Stats. Most computers are configured to allow connections to the Internet to meet the growing demand for access. Connecting to the Internet requires certain hardware, including a modem or network card and an access point providing a connection. Dial-up connections are still widely in use despite faster connections being available to 89 percent of the U.S. population. Referred to as narrowband connections, these connections are slower and usually do not stay connected at all times. A Network interface card (NIC) allows you to connect an Ethernet cable to your computer from an access point. Communication to the access point travels through this cable. Connections using a wired NIC require that an Ethernet cable be connected from the computer to the access point at all times during Internet use. Network interface cards can be built in to the computer or purchased as an external device that you plug in to the computer. NIC-based connections are widely used in local area networks, such as groups of computers in businesses. They can be used in homes, but many users prefer to use wireless connections for the added mobility. Writer Bio
