Advantages of networking

Advantages of networking

1. Devices such as printers can be shared and therefore each user does not need their own device connected directly to their computer

2. Files can be shared with each other users across the network. There is no need to save them to a storage medium e.g. CD, DVD, USB memory stick

3. Users can communicate with each other using electronic messaging

4. Users can work collaboratively on the same document

5. Users can share the same internet connection using a router which directs traffic to the correct users

6. Users are given greater flexibility and can access their own personal files from any computer on the network

7. If all data is stored centrally, them it is easier to back it up without having to back up each computer individually

8. There is greater security as users can be given user names and passwords. Also the activity of the users can be monitored

9. Software management is easier as it can be installed centrally and then copied to all computers over the network. This also increases security of the installation of illegal software by users can be prevented.

10. It is usually cheaper to buy licences for networked software than having to buy a version for each stand alone computer