NW Doc

Computer networks is an interconnection of computers that allows communication, sharing of resources and information. Each groupings are being managed using different methods for organizing computers in the network.

Windows-based computers inside the network automatically creates a workgroup or domain. Computers on local area network or home networks are always part of a workgroup and computers in businesses and offices are usually part of a domain.

Definitions

Network

A group of devices that communicate either wireless or wired using physical connection such as ethernet cable or a phone line.

Workgroup

A group of computers that are connected on a network and share resources such as printer and files. All computers are peers, means no computer has control over another.

Domain

A collection of computers on a computer network that share a common database and security policy. A domain is administered as a unit with common rules and procedures, and each domain must have a unique name. This makes it easy to make changes because any changes are automatically made to all computers. Domain users must provide a password or credentials each time they access the domain. There can be thousands of computers in a domain and different local networks.

Homegroup

This is a unique feature in Windows 7 in which a group of computers on a network shares pictures, music, documents, and printers. A homegroup is protected with a password.