Which component allows a computer to communicate over a network?

The Network Interface Card (NIC) is the primary component that enables a computer to communicate over a network. It provides the necessary hardware for both wired and wireless connectivity, allowing data to be sent and received from other devices on the network. NICs can facilitate communication using various network protocols and support different types of network connections, such as Ethernet connections for wired networks or Wi-Fi for wireless connections.

While the other components have their roles in a computer system—such as the graphics card handling visual output, the motherboard serving as the main circuit board that connects all components, and RAM providing temporary memory for running applications—none of these are designed specifically for network communication. The NIC is essential for enabling a computer to access network resources, share files, and connect to the internet, making it a critical component for networking capabilities.