NETWORKS

A network is a series of computer systems that are linked together so that they are able to share computing power or storage facilities. The link may be between computers in the same building or between computers in different parts of the country or even in different parts of the world.

Local Area Networks are confined to a small area. In LAN the connections are made using cables. A LAN allows the users to share programs and resources such as printers and backing store. It allows users to send message to each other using a local electronic mail system. This can be very convenient if people are not always in the same place as they can read their message at any convenient network terminal.

The way in which a network is laid out is called the network topology