What is networking? Networking is simply where two or more computers are linked together.
The reason networking is so great is because of the ability to share resources.

Benefits:
- Expensive hardware such as laser printers can be shared without moving them about between computers.
- Personal documents are accessible from any computer. They are often kept on one fast central computer (a datacenter). This makes them more secure and easier to backup.
- Control over user accounts and access rights in a large network can be assigned to a single central computer. This makes it far easier for a network administrator to look after them.
- A single internet connection can be shared.

Networking is most advantageous to medium/large businesses, however, if the benefits outweight the cost, it can be useful for anyone.

Some basic terminology:
- LAN: local area network.
- WAN: wide area network.
- WLAN: wireless LAN.
- Internet: the ultimate WAN!
- Intranet: a private version of the internet within a private network (It uses internet software and protocols).

You can find out more in the following pages:
- Connection methods
- Connection methods (wireless)
- More info (cables, etc)
- Connection problems