Introduction

Computer Networks were the pioneer of the Internet era. The definition of a computer network is “A network of data processing nodes that are interconnected for the purpose of data communication. 2. A communications network in which the end instruments are computers.”[1] The first networks were narrowly used by important personnel like military bases so they can maintain connection with their traveling co-workers, keeping them safe, and giving them direction. These networks were not connected to the Internet, as we know it. They were just basic networks for the sake of communication. Networks became much more widely used in the 1990’s when the internet emerged to the masses. Now corporate offices and residential homes alike could start a network of their own so they can to connected to whatever they like. The importance of networking was realized very quickly, the number of networks rose at a rapid pace, and today there are billions of people connected to each other in different ways. Whether it be in a small corporate office connecting employees, or the network that connects a business to its manufacturer in China, its very obvious that the network changed the world, and helped it prosper. In this paper I will discuss every networking feature in the Windows operating system as well as its importance to the network.
Importance Of A Network

Now that it is common for a household to have multiple devices with the ability to connect, networks have become more important than ever. Computers are no longer used just for basic communication like e-mail. These days the daily usage of a computer seems like a life requirement. People are using them for work, entertainment, and shopping, all of which most likely need a network for access. Its almost easier to ask what you do not need a computer for, than it is to ask what you do need a computer for in modern