A computer network connects groups of computers together through communication channels and software. It allows for the organization of connections between Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), Campus Area Networks (CANs), and Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) as well as Personal Computers (PCs). Key components of a computer network include web browsers, modems, communication protocols like IP, TCP, FTP, and HTTP as well as webpages that can be accessed through a uniform resource locator (URL) and hyperlinks. Common uses of computer networks involve downloading and uploading files, using search engines, engaging in e-commerce, accessing web servers, education, groups, chat, email, mailing lists, and social media