WHAT IS A NETWORK?

NETWORK

A network is a group of two or more computer systems linked together. There are many types of computer networks, including:

·  local-area networks (LANs) : The computers are geographically close together (that is, in the same building).

·  wide-area networks (WANs) : The computers are farther apart and are connected by telephone lines or radio waves.

·  campus-area networks (CANs): The computers are within a limited geographic area, such as a campus or military base.

·  metropolitan-area networks MANs): A data network designed for a town or city.

·  home-area networks (HANs): A network contained within a user's home that connects a person's digital devices.

ADVANTANGES OF NETWORK

File Sharing: Networks offer a quick and easy way to share files directly. Instead of using a disk or USB key to carry files from one computer or office to another, you can share files directly using a network.
Software Cost and Management: Many popular software products are available for networks at a substantial savings in comparison to buying individually licensed copied for all of your computers. You can also load software on only the file server which saves time compared to installing and tracking files on independent computers. Upgrades are also easier because changes only have to be done once on the file server instead of on individual workstations.
Security: Specific directories can be password protected to limit access to authorized users. Also, files and programs on a network can be designated as "copy inhibit" so you don’t have to worry about the illegal copying of programs.
Resource Sharing: All computers in the network can share resources such as printers, fax machines, modems, and scanners.
Communication: Even outside of the internet, those on the network can communicate with each other via electronic mail over the network system. When connected to the internet, network users can communicate with people around the world via the network.
Flexible Access: Networks allow their users to access files from computers throughout the network. This means that a user can begin work on a project on one computer and finish up on another. Multiple users can also collaborate on the same project through the network.