A network is a group of desktop or laptop computers (and other hardware devices, such as printers) that are connected together with the primary purpose of communicating and exchanging data. Networking is all about sharing, and it allows your computers to connect to the Internet, talk to each other, and share resources like files and printers.
Networking adds a lot of flexibility in the way you work and spend time with your computers and electronic devices. With a network, you can:
- Share a high-speed, broadband cable or DSL Internet connection so everyone can surf the web simultaneously
- Access your own private email account while others cruise the web
- Share all types of files, including music, digital pictures, and documents
- Store your library of music, pictures and files all in one place
- View your digital pictures and listen to your music anywhere in the house
- Stream personal video or Internet movies to your HDTV or home theater
- Secure your computers against Internet threats, like viruses and worms
- Enjoy multiplayer and head-to-head gaming with friends or family from any room in the house
- Enjoy gaming over the Internet with someone anywhere in the world
- Save money and time by sharing printers, storage and other peripherals
Share storage space and access files on another computer or storage device through your home network (sometimes called a LAN or local area network). It doesn’t matter where you keep your digital files. And if you use a shared storage device your other computers don’t even need to be turned on. You can also store your files out on the Internet (sometimes called a wide area network ( WAN ).
Learn more about client and protocol.
There are two types of networks: wired and wireless. You need to determine which one best fits your needs. You can even combine the two. Keep in mind that each has its advantages as well as disadvantages.
Should I install a wired or wireless network?
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