Which of the following devices is a PC component that connects the computer to the network?

The Network Interface Card (NIC) is an essential component in a computer system that facilitates the connection between the computer and a network. It serves as the hardware that allows for data exchange between the computer and the network, whether it's through a wired connection (using Ethernet cables) or wirelessly (using Wi-Fi). The NIC translates the data from the computer into a format that can be transmitted over the network and vice versa, enabling communication with other devices.

While other devices, such as a modem, router, and switch, play significant roles in the networking environment, they each serve different functions that are not directly related to interfacing a single computer to the network. A modem connects a network to the internet, a router directs data packets between networks, and a switch connects multiple devices on the same network. None of these devices are primarily responsible for connecting a single computer to a network; that role is specifically fulfilled by the NIC.