Q.What is a computer network? State any four benefits of networking.

A network is about joining computers so they can work together; the answer should define it and then list clear benefits.

These benefits are why almost every office and business today runs on a network.

Meaning. As Section a explains, a computer network is a group of two or more computers and other devices connected together — by cable or wirelessly — so that they can communicate with one another and share resources such as printers, storage, files, software, and an Internet connection.

Four benefits of networking:

1. Resource sharing. Expensive hardware such as a printer, scanner, or storage device can be shared by many computers, and software and files can be shared too, which saves cost and avoids duplication.
2. Communication. Users can send e-mail and instant messages, hold video calls, and work together on the same document quickly and cheaply, whether they are near or far apart.
3. Central and reliable data storage. Important data can be kept on one central server so that all users get the same up-to-date information and it can be backed up and protected in one place; if one computer fails, work can often continue on another.
4. Cost saving. Because hardware, software, and data are shared instead of being bought separately for each computer, networking lowers the overall cost for a home, office, or business.

(Other benefits include the ability to do business online through e-commerce and e-banking, and letting staff in different branches work on the same data.)

Do not describe only the Internet when asked about a computer network — a network can be as small as two computers in one room. Also give distinct benefits (sharing, communication, storage, cost), not the same point in different words.