Summary

4 IT Essentials: PC Harware and Software Companion Guidepoint (source) and an ending point (destination). Within this system are rules such as stopsigns and traffic lights that control the flow from the source to the destination.After completing this section, you will meet these objectives:■■Define computer networks.Explain the benefits of networking.Define Computer NetworksA computer data network is a collection of hosts connected by networking devices. A hostis any device that sends and receives information on the network. Peripherals are devicesthat are connected to hosts. Some devices can serve as either hosts or peripherals. Forexample, a printer connected to your laptop that is on a network is acting as a peripheral. Ifthe printer is connected directly to a networking device, such as a hub, switch, or router, itis acting as a host.Computer networks are used globally in businesses, homes, schools, and government agencies.Many of these networks are connected to each other through the Internet.Many different types of devices can connect to a network:■■■■■■■Desktop computersLaptop computersPrintersScannersPDAsSmartphonesFile/print serversA network can share many different types of resources:■■■Services, such as printing or scanningStorage space on removable devices, such as hard drives or optical drivesApplications, such as databasesYou can use networks to access information stored on other computers, print documentsusing shared printers, and synchronize the calendar between your computer and yourSmartphone.