
During the later part of the last century, the device known as the computer was created to run computations on data. These devices were initially very large-one device would take up an entire room.
Today, though, computers have been engineered to be smaller. Recent developments have led to the creation of convenient desktop and laptop computers.
Many people, the world over, have computers in their homes for personal use. They may also have a laptop which they take with them when they travel.
As more and more people have begun to use computers for their own purposes, it has become necessary for them to be able to connect their computers. Connecting computers allows information to be shared among computers.
Businesses and other organizations are able to better perform their work by making use of data sharing. How is this data sharing accomplished?
There are several ways in which computers might be connected, and the sharing of data accomplished. Generally, these types of connections are classified according to the geographical area which they cover.
The first is called a Local Area Network, or LAN. As the name implies, LANs connect a few users in a small area.
Many small businesses that use computers to do their work use an LAN. The employees are able to share their information, and do so while using limited resources.
In other cases, the LAN will be used to create a client-server network. This type of network connects all the employees to each other, but also connects them to a server.


