Computersight -

A computer network consists of a number of computers linked together using special hardware and software. Networking enables people to share both hardware and software either locally or globally.

The hardware on a network may include: personal computers, mainframes, supercomputers, printers, fax machines, navigational control systems, and interactive entertainment centers.
The software on a network always includes application software, workstation operating systems, and network operating systems.

Networked computers have a number of advantages. They allow information to be exchanged at high speeds, they allow important devices to be shared, and they allow people to connect to their computers over long distances.

Benefit of Networking

Geographically remote areas can be connected to share information. Without actually transferring the entire file to all people involved, several people can simultaneously share large files. Also within a networked environment the information generated by a single user can be shared worldwide instantaneously. This enables faster, more precise communication which should translate into greater accuracy, productivity and cost savings.

• Networking allows different types of computers to communicate. Mac and PC users can share information and resources over a network.
• Users on a network can also share physical resources such as scanner, printer, or other expensive piece of hardware. Sharing hardware significantly reduces the expense of running a system.

Local Area Network (LAN)

1. Limited to a small geographical region
2. Specifically designed to share hardware and software at high speeds.
3. Originally developed to connect mainframes to dumb terminals (keyboard and monitor only-no system unit) over 50 years ago.
4. Mainframe LANs are faster, more powerful and have higher storage capabilities, while PC based LANs are more flexible to changing environments
5. Many companies used a combined network of mainframes and PCs
6. Computers