I imagine it means more than one thing but the first thing I thought of is a Network Interface Card. This is very general (Wireless or wired). There is quite a bit of information on a website I came accross recently at http://www.introtobroadband.co.uk on broadband and ADSL etc. (Things you would likely need a NIC for).
No, the NIC will automatically install its own protocols and use them if needed
Nic Olymipiks is the largest mountain on Mars
Egypt is a NIC!!!
Nic Sarnoff is 6'.
Nic Baisley is 6'.
Nic Wegener is 7'.
Nic Main is 6'.
Nic Nakis goes by Ras Nicholas, Camo Nic, and The Mad Greek.
Nic Offer was born in 1972.
Nic Leblanc was born in 1941.
Nic. Nilsen was born in 1944.
Nic Szeremeta was born in 1943.