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Introduction to networking
A network is a collection of computers and other devices that communicate with each
other.
Using a network
A network lets you:
■ Share a single Internet connection
■ Share computer drives
■ Share peripheral devices
■ Stream audio and video files
■ Play multi-player games
Sharing a single Internet connection
Each computer connected to the network can share the same broadband connection or
modem and telephone line to access the Internet at the same time. This saves on the cost
of installing another telephone line for your second computer and paying for a second
Internet service provider (ISP) account.
Sharing drives
With a network, you can copy files from computer to computer by copying and pasting
or dragging and dropping. You will no longer waste your time transferring files by using
recordable media. In addition, you can map a drive on a networked computer to another
computer, and access the files as if they were located on the hard drive of the computer
you are using.
Sharing peripheral devices
Each computer that is connected to the network can share the same peripheral devices,
such as a printer. Select print from the computer you are currently using and your file is
automatically printed on your printer no matter where it is located on your network.
Streaming audio and video files
With a network, you can store audio files (such as the popular .MP3 files) and video files
on any networked computer, then play them on any of the other computers or devices
connected to your network. This process is called streaming.