Computer Networks

Computer Networks

People often wonder exactly what a computer network is. Computer networks in its simplest form are a series of computers that are linked together that allow users to share their information, data, and resources with one terminal being the main projector point. There are many questions that are commonly asked concerning computer networking such as why do we use computer networks, when did computer networks become popular, and what benefits have computer networks given to us?

Computer networks are commonly used in order to facilitate communication via email, instant messaging, and social networking sites. Some common social networking sites are Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and LinkedIn; however, computer networking is more than that. In fact, computer networking has become an important part of everyday life—it has given us this ability to communicate with one another in an efficient and effective manner. There have been numerous technological advancements that have been made, these advancements have helped lead up to the success of computer networking.

Relatively, computer networking has most commonly been said to have developed somewhere around the 1950’s. It wasn’t until recent years; however, and rapid growth of the internet, did computer networking actually become popular. There are many controversial arguments that have been made as to when computer networking actually became known as computer networking. Some say it was created when hackers were dabbling into a type of networking created before the introduction of computers; these hackers “were utilizing mock terminals that resembled computer screens with keyboards that were connected to one large computer which was responsible for doing all of the processing” (Peter). The terminals, in which the hackers used, were placed here and there in different places, such as laundromats, but mainly along the West coast. These hackers were said to have belonged to the Homebrew Computer Club, which...