Why Use a Computer Network?
With the availability and power of today’s personal computers, you might ask why networks are needed. From the earliest networks to today’s high-powered personal computers, the answer has remained the same: networks increase efficiency and reduce costs. Computer networks achieve these goals in three primary ways: • Sharing information (or data) • Sharing hardware and software • Centralizing administration and support More specifically, computers that are part of a network can share: • Documents (memos, spreadsheets, invoices, and so on). • E-mail messages. • Word-processing software. • Project-tracking software. • Illustrations, photographs, videos, and audio files. • Live audio and video broadcasts. • Printers. • Fax machines. • Modems. • CD-ROM drives and other removable drives, such as Zip and Jaz drives. • Hard drives. And more sharing options exist. The capabilities of networks are constantly expanding as new ways are found to share and communicate by means of computers. Sharing I
