Networking – A computer network or data network is a digital telecommunications network, which permits interconnected devices (nodes)  to share and communicate resources. Networked computing devices swap data each other with the help of a data link in computer network. The links between nodes are established with the help of either cable media or wireless media.

Computer networks hold up a large number of applications and services including access to the WWW (World Wide Web), digital audio, digital video, printers, shared use of application, fax machines, storage servers, use of email and instant messaging applications, and many more applications. Computer networks vary in the transmission medium, which can be used to take their signals, communication protocols for systematizing the network traffic, topology, the network’s size, and orgizational intent. Internet is the besr-known computer network.

Computer networking has given a new dimension to e-business and has expedited transactions and exchange of information worldwide. It is useful in several ways, which are discussed below-

1. Reliability – Computer networking provides backup options or utility, which means that the duplicate records can be stored in different machines. In case of fault in one system, the data available in other hardware can be used without loss of time.
2. Sharing information – Under modern business operations, the organization have established their offices and factories in several parts of the country and the world. The managers and executives of companies or organizations can have direct access to their systems located anywhere in the world through networking and are capable to extract information, desired data, and many more for planning and decision making.
3. Communication media – A computer network provides faster communication.  Any change in the document can be seen immediately ar other related end. An e-mail is such an example through which the messages can spread fastly or immediately across the country and in the world. Consequently, the time in postal delay is saved and the messages are instantly available.
4. Cost Effectiveness – The mainframe computer are too costly as compared with personal computers. Networking replaces single mainframe computer by workstations with improved performance, speed, and reliability. The data is kept in one or more server, which can be shared by the users.