1) A computer network connects computers together to share resources like printers, files, and internet connections. Networks can be local-area networks within a building or wide-area networks spanning cities.
2) Common network topologies include star, bus, ring, tree and mesh. Star networks connect devices to a central hub while bus networks use a common backbone cable. Ring networks transmit messages in one direction around a closed loop.
3) Computer networks allow for resource sharing, improved communication and availability of information, though they also present security risks and require maintenance of hardware and software.