Information and communication are two of the most important strategic issues for the success of every enterprise.
While today nearly every organization uses a number of computers and communication tools (like telephone or fax), they are often still isolated. While managers today are able to use applications like word processors or spreadsheets, not very many of them use computer-based tools to communicate with other departments or information retrieval programs. To overcome these obstacles in an effective usage of information technology, computer networks are necessary. They are a new kind of organization of computer systems produced by the need to merge computers and communications. Computer networks can manage to put down the barriers between information held on several systems. Only with the help of computer networks can a borderless communication and information environment be built.
Importance of Networking
Computer networks allow the user to access remote programs and remote databases either of the same organization or from other enterprises or public sources. Computer networks provide communication possibilities faster than other facilities. Because of these optimal information and communication possibilities, computer networks may increase the organizational learning rate there are other reasons why any organization should have a computer network
- cost reduction by sharing hardware and software resources
- high reliability by having multiple sources of supply
- cost reduction by downsizing to microcomputer-based networks instead of using mainframes
- greater flexibility because of possibility to connect devices from various vendors
A network is two or more computers connected together to share information and files between them. Businesses aren’t the only ones that can benefit from creating a network. Home users can enjoy sharing music, movies and printers from any computer.
File Sharing : Computers connected to a network can share files and documents with each other. Personal computers connected to a business network can choose which files and folders are available to share on the network.
Printers : Computers can print pages to another computer with a printer on the network. Additionally, printers can be connected using a print server, which allows direct printing from all computers.