Computer network

Any system that contains terminals inter connected with a central control may be called network. The term net working has a special meaning. Networking refers to a system consisting of computers linked together so that they can share database programs and printers and other devices. A Local Area Networking (LAN) system might link and computers and in a single office, while a global or wide Area Net works (WAN) system might link computers across a country or even across several countries. Computer networks allow others to feed their data and programs in to the computer at the same time. Each user needs a keyboard or input and a screen for output but they can share in items like printers and external memory which they only use occasionally the control computer has special network software which sorts out which user ‘station’ should get priority. For example, request to load a new program usually takes priority over asking for a print-out of results. Networks are very useful in schools and offices, as they allow more people to use the same computer system. In network, a computer can share its processing power, memory and printer among many user ‘stations’. The best use of networking technology is in business resources and productivity, efficiency, reducing costs and gaining competitive advantage. Networking enables everyone in an organization to communicate with and share resources with everyone else. It gives them access to data held in individual PCs, by remote office sites or external suppliers and giving users the ability to share printers, CD-ROM and modem technology, etc. Networks can be designed for organizations of all sizes from the small office with between two and ten workstations to the largest international corporations linking thousands of workstations.