Definition

A network describes, that a group or a system of related parts are connected to each other. Networking describes the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups or institutions but also the cultivation of productive business relationships. So what are we really talking about by thinking of networks and networking?

Well, we really have to differentiate between the types of networks. The term may refer to human networks, technology networks as well as science networks.
In example, human networks include economic networks, social networks (virtual communities such as MySpace or Facebook), and more. Science networks, for example, include gene regulatory networks but we really want to concentrate on the technological aspect of networks, namely computer networks. Besides computer networks, technology networks include electrical networks, the telecommunications network, gas distribution networks, and many more.

So what are computer networks?
Working with the definition of networks mentioned earlier, a network describes a group of two or more systems linked together. Now, if we talk of a computer network, it simply describes the interconnection between groups of two or more computer systems.
A computer network has the following advantages: software can be shared, it is easy to communicate with other computers, certain data and files can be shared, and devices like printers or scanners can be shared as well. However, computer networks also have disadvantages. It is easier to attack a system with viruses. Also the installation of devices might be expensive, and if a problem with the server occurs, it may affect other computers.

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