Final Answer:
The two components configured via software for a PC to participate in a network environment are:
Network interface card (NIC)
Operating system (OS)
Options 1 and 2 are the correct components.
Step-by-step explanation:
Network Interface Card (NIC): A NIC is a hardware component responsible for connecting a computer to a network. While the physical NIC is a hardware device, its configuration and interaction with the network are managed through software drivers and settings.
Operating System (OS): The operating system plays a crucial role in configuring and managing network settings on a PC. It includes networking protocols, drivers, and services that enable communication between the computer and the network. The OS provides the necessary software components to establish and maintain network connections.
Options 3 and 4, Central Processing Unit (CPU) and Random Access Memory (RAM), are hardware components unrelated to network configuration.
Options 1 and 2 are the correct components.