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	BENEFITS OF A COMPUTER NETWORK PRINTER Networks are able to use one printer for numerous computers. This allows many individual computers to access a single network printer. This saves money and space for the organization. DATA Once networks were setup, people found that the next best thing was the ability to easily share documents. The type of server that stores files is called a file server. Data can be in the form of text, images, numbers or characters. PROGRAMS Server or Network based programs are programs that are loaded on to an online server or network as opposed to directly onto the individual computers. This program can therefor be accessed by any computer possessing the correct amount of bandwidth and system specifications. In short, it uses the server as an application server. WORK BETTER Organizations use networks for many purposes, such as making schedules for colleagues, picking up days for meetings (when everybody will be able to attend) and providing useful online connections for network-linked employees. Employees can communicate on a network with other employees through email. TYPES OF NETWORKS MAINFRAME Mainframe computers are typically large, metal boxed computers with large processing abilities. The terminals are called "dumb terminals" because they only send and receive data, leaving the processing to the mainframe. CLIENTS The client/server refers to the way two computer programs interact with each other. The client makes a request from the server, who then fulfills the request. Although this idea can be used on one computer it is an efficient way for a network of computers in different locations to interconnect. Local Area Network (LAN) The first LANs were created in the late 1970s. LANs are small networks constricted to a small area, like a city. LANs are used to share resources like storage, internet, et cetera. A 'node' on a LAN is a connected computer or device like a printer. Wide Area Network (WAN) WANs are very large networks that interconnect smaller LAN networks, for a large geographic area like a country (i. e., any network whose communications link crossmetropolitan, regional, or national boundaries.) WANs are usually for private companies, however, some built by internet service providers connect LANs to the internet. WAN can use a combination of satellites and microwaves, and can link a variety of computers from mainframes to terminals. A 'node' on a WAN is a LAN. Metro Area Network (MAN) Metropolitan area networks, or MANs, are large computer networks usually spanning a city. They typically use wireless infrastructure or Optical fiber connections to link their sites. When the LANs that you want to connect are not far apart, just blocks away, then you can make a MAN. The main difference between a WAN and a MAN network is the speed of the connection. Because the LANs are so close in a MAN, high speed fiberoptic cables are affordable. Campus area network (CAN) A Campus Area Network is a computer network made up of an interconnection of local area networks (LANs) within a limited geographical area. It can be considered one form of a metropolitan area network, specific to an academic setting. In the case of a university campus-based campus area network, the network is likely to link a variety of campus buildings including; academic departments, the university library and student residence halls. A campus area network is larger than a local area network but smaller than a wide area network (WAN). The main aim of a campus area network is to facilitate students accessing internet and university resources. Personal Area Network (PAN) A personal area network is a computer network used for communication among computer devices (including telephones and personal digital assistants) close to one person. The devices may or may not belong to the person in question. The reach of a PAN is typically a few meters. PANs can be used for communication among the personal devices themselves (intrapersonal communication), or for connecting to a higher level network and the Internet (an uplink). Home Area Network (HAN) The Home Area Network uses cable, wired, or wireless connections to connect a homes' digital devices. For example, fax machines, computers, DVD's etc. Garden Area Network (GAN) A Garden Area Network is a similar system and allows for one system to control such devices like garden lights, sprinkler systems and alarm systems.