5. Local Area Network (LAN)

When the computers are fairly close to one another say, in a single office or two buildings that are separated by a road, they can be joined together either by cables or wireless means.

These computers then form a Local Area Network (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. Users can also use the LAN to communicate with each other by e-mail. Data can be transmitted very quickly between networked computers.

To log onto a LAN, you usually need a user name and password. The user name identifies you to the file server so that it can 'serve' you the correct files. The password ensures that the user name really does belong to you.

Your school will probably be using a LAN network. Ask your teacher or the network technician.