A single computer system is referred to as
"stand alone". Once you connect two or more computers together, you
have formed a network. While networks have traditionally been a need
for business, more homes are now equipped with multiple computer
systems. These systems can be networked to provide shared Internet
connection, easy file sharing and data back up, all running on a
single service.
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There
a many layers to network topology, you can set up a LAN (Local Area
Network) to allow communication and file transfers from one computer to
another. A hub or a switch is used in this type of setup, without need
for any Internet access. If you use a router instead of a hub or
switch, then you can also share the Internet connection for all the
computers. A router connects to a WAN (wide area network) outside of
your LAN, providing NAT (Network Address Translation) allowing the
shared connection.
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important consideration in setting up a network is deciding if you
want wireless, or cables running from the router to each computer.
Wireless is much neater, but more expensive, slower than wired and less
secure. Additional steps are needed to secure a wireless network.
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Hub
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Network Card
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Network Cable
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