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Introduction
Over twenty years ago Isaac Asimov, an American author and professor of
biochemistry at Boston University, best known for his works of science fiction
and for his popular science books predicted that the world would one day
become a global village integrated through networks that would allow the free
sharing of information. It is safe to say that much of that prediction has come
true. With an ever present need for connections and staying in touch, networks
have grown phenomenally over the last 30 years.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Asimov) which is faced with social, economic,
political, institutional and technical knowhow hence the need for a more effective
and sustainable network maintenance culture.

A system that enables users of telephones or data communications lines to exchange information over long distances
by connecting with each other through a system of routers, servers, switches, and the like.
It is rigged with technical and spatial problems
Read more: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/network.html

So what is a network? What advantages does it hold? And what are the
drawbacks in not having a network especially in the work environment?

A network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share
resources (such as printers and fax machines), exchange files, or allow electronic
communications. The computers on a network may be linked through cables,
telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams. (Source:
http://fcit.usf.edu/network/chap1/chap1.htm)

There are several advantages in networking the work place and these help
to make work more efficient and productive

To begin with, networking allows for file sharing. Networks offer a quick and easy
way to share files directly.Instead of using a disk or USB drive to carry files from
one computer or office to another, you can share files directly using a network.

Again, Networking allows for lower Software Cost and better Management. Many
popular software products are available for networks at a substantial savings in
comparison to buying individually licensed copies for all of your computers. You
can also load software on only the file server which saves time compared to
installing and tracking files on independent computers. Upgrades are also easier
because changes only have to be done once on the file server instead of on
individual workstations.

Another advantage of networking is that it offers Security. Specific directories can

be password protected to limit access to authorized users. Also, files and
programs on a network can be designated as "copy inhibit" so you dont have to
worry about the illegal copying of programs.

Also networking allows for Resource Sharing. All computers in the network can
share resources such as printers, fax machines, modems, and scanners. Hence
there will be no need to have to waste resources on acquiring multiple printers ,
scanners etc.

Easy communication is another advantage of networking. Even outside of the

internet, those on the network can communicate with each other via electronic
mail over the network system. When connected to the internet, network users
can communicate with people around the world via the network.

Finally networking allows for Flexible Access. Networks allow their users to
access files from computers throughout the network. This means that a user can
begin work on a project on one computer and finish up on another. Multiple users
can also collaborate on the same project throughout the network.

Sources:
(Source: http://fcit.usf.edu/network/chap1/chap1.htm)

http://www.spamlaws.com/network-advantage.html