A network is two or more computers that are connected to each other for the purpose of sharing resources—data, files, software, or hardware, such as printers, scanners, or facsimile machines. Networks come in many different sizes. They can be as small as two computers linked together or as large as the Internet. Networks are not confined by geographic boundaries. They can exist in a single building, such as a small business, or even your home. (If you have two or more computers in your house that share a common printer, you have a computer network.) Networks can also cover vast geographic areas. For example, many businesses have more than one office in a town, city, country, or all over the globe. Computer networks enable employees at these businesses to share resources. How Are Computer Networks Used in the Workplace? Businesses use computer networks in a number of ways and for many different purposes. However, the main reason that businesses create computer networks is to increase their productivity. Let's take a look at some of the ways in which computer networks benefit businesses. Sharing. Perhaps the largest benefit that networks provide is enabling employees to share information, software, and equipment. Networks help workers access and exchange information stored in files quickly, easily, and efficiently. A network application known as groupware makes such sharing possible. Networks also enable the sharing of software, such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, and other applications. This makes installing and updating software easier and more efficient. Software can be installed and updated in a central location rather than at each employee's computer. Authorized users connected to the network are able to run the applications stored on it. In addition to files and programs, networks also make the sharing of computer equipment—peripherals such as printers, scanners, and facsimile machines—possible. The sharing of peripherals reduces an organization's operational costs. Most employees need to print documents as part of their job. With a network, many computers can share the same printer, reducing the number of printers needed by networked organizations. Communication. Effective communication is vital to an organization's success. Networks are frequently set up to enable employees to exchange electronic communication (e-mail) using an internal e-mail system. An organization's internal e-mail system generally functions the same way as other e-mail systems that transmit messages over the Internet. The difference is security. Messages that travel over the Internet are not as secure as messages sent on an organization's internal network. This security is a significant concern, especially when dealing with financial and confidential data. Using their internal networks, workers can safely send messages. They can also share files by attaching them to e-mail messages. Communication is not limited to text alone—voice, video, and pictures can also be transmitted over the network. E-mail is not the only type of communication that benefits from the use of a network. Networking has also increased the use of teleconferences and videoconferences. In a teleconference, people in different locations can have "real time" discussions using either their telephone or computer systems (if they have the right equipment and applications). Teleconference A videoconference takes conferencing to the next level; those with the appropriate hardware and software can not only talk to each other, but they can also see each other!