If you've ever been around a computer geek very long, no doubt you've heard one of the following terms: Network, Internet, Intranet, LAN, WAN, Client/Server, etc. But what do they mean? (IN NORMAL ENGLISH!)

Let's start at the very beginning. A "network" is simply two or more computers connected together so that they can communicate. On a typical network, information and printers can be shared by any of the connected computers.

Two basic types of networks exist: "peer-to-peer" and "client/server." A peer-to-peer network is the most simple and basic network design. Let's say you work in a small office with three computers and two printers. You want everyone in the office to be able to access information on the other computers and also be able to print on any of the printers. Setting up a small peer-to-peer network will meet that need.

To do so, you will need to buy a network interface card (sometimes called a NIC) for each computer. They run about $15 (or free with some rebates). Next, visit your local computer store and get some networking cable. Run it around to each computer, plugging it into the NICs. Windows and Macintosh computers already come with the software necessary to make the connection. Decide who needs access to what, grant privileges to different devices and information, and then sit back.

I know I wasn't too specific on the "how to's", but each operating system comes with instructions on the actual implementation of the network. As homeowners buy multiple computers, more and more non-business peer-to-peer networks are popping up all over the place.

Client/server networks are for larger organizations. If your company has four or more computers that need to be connected, you might want to consider a client/server setup. Here's why: Once your peer-to-peer network grows beyond three computers, much of your mission-critical information begins to migrate to one PC. It just makes sense. You want all of your important information on one PC so that everyone can find it and so that it can be backed up much easier. Well, if you have three, four, or six machines all trying to access one PC, that poor PC will slow down to unusable levels. Enter, the server!

The server is a normal computer with special software (server software, to be exact). This software makes it easy and efficient for numerous PCs to simultaneously access the information on the server. A server usually sits in a closet somewhere. No one actually sits down and types on it since that would slow it down for everyone else. A server's job is to simply divvy out information to all the other PCs, (known as "clients").

If you are interested in setting up a client/server system in your office, you might want to contract the work out. Configuring server software is not for the technologically timid. Usually, you will have three choices in server software: Windows Server (http://www.microsoft.com/server), Novell Netware (http://www.novell.com/), and Unix (http://www.ugu.com/). I listed them in order of "ease of use." If you want to try your hand at administering your network, go with Microsoft. Only computer gurus should attempt to use Unix.

Three other terms you need to know: LAN, WAN, and MAN. All three are acronyms. LAN is short for "Local Area Network." Whenever a computer is connected to a network that consists of computers in one office or building, they are said to be "on the LAN." WAN is short for "Wide Area Network." WANs typically connect LANs over long distances. For instance, XYZ Corp. has offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Amarillo. Each office has their own LAN. These LANs are connected to each other to create a WAN. The term, MAN, is relatively new. It stands for "Metropolitan Area Network." Typically installed by large cities, MANs connect multiple businesses in an area to foster electronic commerce. MANs are usually funded by tax dollars and administered by city employees.

That leaves us with the last three terms you've probably heard bandied about: Internet, Intranet, and the newest one: Extranet. We've all heard of the "Internet." Essentially, the Internet is the largest public WAN on the planet. Anyone can connect to it. Today, most companies have set up Intranets. A company "Intranet" operates just like it's older brother, but is only accessible by employees of the company. Large corporations are putting employee handbooks, policy manuals, and other resources on their Intranets, instead of printing them. An "Extranet" is simply a multi-company Intranet. Certain vendors and suppliers might set up extranets with their customers to facilitate product ordering. Off-limits to you and I, these networks exist on the Internet, but are only accessible by certain companies.

Over the next few years, networks will change. Look for data to merge with video and voice. Your computer, telephone, and television may someday be the same device…

One final note: All of the vocabulary terms you saw mentioned in this article are clearly defined at one of my favorite web sites: What is? (http://www.whatis.com/).