Computer Networking Basics - Defining a Computer Network

Here in Computer Geek HQ, one of the topics that you will be learning is Computer Networking. I would like to share my knowledge in this field and learn at the same time. I believe that this topic is also essential in our daily life in computers. We will discuss from the very basics for the benefit of the readers that does not have much background in this topic.

What is Computer Network?

A Computer network is the practice of linking of two or more computers that intelligently share hardware or software devices with each other for the purpose of sharing data. A network can be as small and simple as two computers that share a printer or as complex as the world’s largest network: the Internet.

You can share or access many different types of devices over a network such as a Printers, Storage drives, Modems, Cameras,   Media players/recorders, Game consoles and even the entire hard drive or a specific folder on your computer.

Benefits of Computer Networking:

Aside from the benefit of having a printer on each computer connected on each computer and other peripherals among multiple users or computers on the network, networks also provide some additional benefits to all the users:

1.    A single Internet connection can be shared among multiple computers.
2.    Electronic mail (email) can be sent and received.
3.    Multiple users can share access to software and data files.
4.    Files and folders can be backed up to local or remote shares.
5.    Audio and video content can be streamed to multiple devices.
6.    Multiple users can contribute to a single document using collaboration features.
7.   Remote-control/access programs can be used to troubleshoot problems or show new users how to perform a task.

Types of Computer Networks

Several types of networks exist, from small two-station arrangements, to networks that interconnect offices in many cities:
 

Local area networks (LAN)
The smallest office and most commonly use network is called a local area network (LAN). A LAN is formed from computers and components in a single workplace or area. LANs can be small, linking as few as three computers and components as are used in office networks are also common at home.

Wide area networks
The Wide Area Network (WAN) is simply the connection of different LAN locations can be connected by high-speed fiber-optic, satellite, or leased phone lines to form a wide area network (WAN).
  
The Internet
The World Wide Web is the most unmistakable part of the planet's biggest system, the Internet. The Internet is truly a system of systems, all of which are joined with one another through Transmission Control Protocol/internet Protocol (Tcp/ip). It's a celebrated WAN in numerous regards. Systems, for example web browsers, File Transfer Protocol (FTP) customers, and message customers are a percentage of the most well-known ways clients work with the Inter

Intranets
Intranets utilize the same web programs and other programming and the same Tcp/ip convention as the general population Internet, yet intranets exist as a part of an organization's private system. Regularly, intranets embody one or more LAN that are joined with other organization arranges, yet, unlike the Internet, the substance is confined to sanctioned organization clients just.

Extranets
Intranets that impart an allotment of their substance to clients, suppliers, or different organizations, however not with the overall population, are called extranets. Similarly as with intranets, the same web browsers and other programming are utilized to gain entrance to the substance.

Requirements for a Computer Network:

Unless the computer and other networking devices that are joined know they are associated and concede to a regular method of correspondence and what resources are to be shared, they can't work together. Networking software is just as important as networking hardware because it establishes the logical connections that make the physical connections work

At a minimum, each network requires the following:

1. Physical - This refers to a Computer, Network Interface Cards or wireless adapters,  Ethernet cable, the routers, switches and other networking devices that will be shared or interconnected on the network such as printers, drives, modems, media players, and so on.

2. Network Protocol - This is the common set of communications rules

3. Software - This refer to the Network Operating system software, such as Microsoft Windows NT or 2000, Novell NetWare, Unix and Linux.

Thank you for taking your time to read Computer Geek HQ about "Computer Networking Basics - Defining a Computer Network", this is just the first part Computer Networking Basics topics. I would appreciate if you could give me some comments and suggestion about this post.