Lucy+Crane

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When computers were developed, they were intended so that a person could work on a machine of their own. One day, a student started to think about connecting two computers together so that they can share their files. Then the first computer network was made.

At home, computers can be attached to its own printer or scanner, most of the time the scanner or printer will just lay idle as you are the only person using them. A computer which isn't connected to a network is called a 'stand-alone' In a school or office or other building it can cost lots of money to put a printer and scanner onto each computer, and most of the time they wouldn't be use used, like the ones at home. By joining computers together, you can save money and you can shre the printers and scanners. A network lets you share software and data as well and a computer which is conected to a network is called a 'work-station'

Computers which are close together can be connected by a cable or wire, these then form a local area network aka LAN Once the computers are connected together into a LAN, many people (users) can share and use the same resources at the same time. They can share files, software, hard disks and peripherals such as a printer or CD-ROM. You can send emails very quickly via the network and also files can be nsent qyuickly and recieved quickly.

 Many modern companies have offices, shops or factories in various locations around the country, and for large corporations, across the world. Even though staff work in different places, they often need to be able to access the same information no matter where they are.  This is called Wide Area Network ( WAN ) An input device is a piece of hardware which is used to put data into the computer. For example a keyboard and a mouse input writing and letters, and also where you need to click etc.      