Verified Answer :

  • Analyze each component's function: sound, video, and expansion cards serve different purposes than networking.
  • Identify the network card as the component designed for local area network (LAN) connection and internet access.
  • Conclude that the network card is the correct answer to enable network communication.
  • Final Answer: \(\boxed{\text{network}}\)

Explanation

  1. Analysis of Hardware Components

To determine which card allows a computer to communicate over a network and access the internet, we must evaluate the function of each option provided:

  1. Network card: Specifically designed to provide a physical connection to a network, allowing data communication and internet connectivity.
  2. Sound card: Responsible for processing and outputting audio signals through speakers or headphones.
  3. Video card: Dedicated to rendering images and video for output to a monitor or display.
  4. Expansion card: A general, overarching term for any circuit board that adds functionality to a computer system, but not a specific term for networking hardware.
  1. Identifying the Correct Hardware

Based on the analysis, the network card (often referred to as a Network Interface Card or NIC) is the specific component responsible for establishing a network connection. Therefore, it is the correct choice to complete the sentence regarding communication over a network and internet access.

Examples

Imagine setting up a desktop computer in an office. To browse the web, attend video conferences, or share files with other computers, the PC must have a way to translate its digital data into signals that travel across wires or through the air. A network card serves as the bridge between your computer's internal architecture and the external world, ensuring that packets of data reach their destination efficiently. Without this, your computer would be isolated from the digital community.

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