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A network is two or more computers - or other electronic devices - that are connected together for the purpose of communication. They are connected by a wired medium such as cables, or by a wireless medium such as Wi-Fi.

A computer or device that is not connected to a network is called a stand-alone.

Many different types of computer are connected to some form of network. As well as desktop computers and laptops, other devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, car engine management systems, internet-enabled fridges, intelligent personal assistants and media boxes can all be connected.

Advantages of using networks

Networking computers together brings several benefits:

• software and file sharing - users can share software and files with other users
• hardware sharing - users can share hardware, such as a printer
• communication - users can communicate via email, chat, or by video
• roaming access - users can sign in to any computer on the network and access their files

On larger networks, such as those used by businesses and schools, there are additional benefits:

• centralised maintenance and updates - network managers can apply software updates across a network, removing the need for users to have to do so
• centralised security - anti-virus software and firewalls can be implemented across a network, helping to protect user files from risks
• user monitoring - network managers can monitor what users do on a network
• levels of access - different users can be given different access rights, giving network managers the ability to restrict groups of users access to certain files while granting permission to specific users

Disadvantages of networks

Networking computers together also brings several problems:

• cost - additional equipment is needed to allow computers to communicate
• management - larger networks require management by specialist staff such as a network manager
• spread of malware - viruses and other forms of malware can easily spread across an improperly secured network
• hacking - once a device is connected to another device, it is possible that data may be accessed without the device owner's permission