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Communication networks are an integral part of society. To improve society, we create new and increasingly complex ways of communicating and interacting with each other and we create networks that permit us to relay information and share resources effectively across short and long distances. Communication networks may present themselves in different ways and even though many communication networks differ greatly, they are alike in that they impact our society in very significant and interesting manners, for example, by influencing how we carry our day-to-day business. In this paper we will look at a specific type of communication network, the computer network, its subtypes, and analyze its effect on individual people and groups of people.

To comprehend the importance of computer networks in our daily life we need to define what a computer is and show how networked computers influence our lives. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a computer as “one that computes; specifically : a programmable usually electronic device that can store, retrieve, and process data”. [definition of computer] We can see that many devices, which we normally do not consider to be computers, can be redefined as computers, to be precise, these devices are special purpose computing devices. The Merriam-Webster dictionary also formally defines 'network' as "a system of computers, peripherals, terminals, and databases connected by communications lines" and as an "interconnected group or association of persons (as friends or professional colleagues)". [definition of network] This means that networks can be as simple your circle of friends or as complex as a computer network that connects the world. Some special purpose computing devices that can be network...

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...ter - Definitions and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Web. 18 Oct. 2010. .

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"IBook G4 (Mid 2005) - Technical Specifications." Apple - Support. 13 Oct. 2008. Web. 18 Oct. 2010. .

"Network." Network-Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Web. 18 Oct. 2010. .

Postmes, Tom, Russell Spears, and Martin Lea. "Breaching or Building Social Boundaries? SIDE-Effects of Computer-Mediated Communication." Communication Research 25.6 (1998): 689-715. Print.

Wellman, Barry. "Computer Networks As Social Networks." Science 293.5537 (2001): 2031-034. Web.
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