A network consists of two or more connected computers that share resources and exchange files. There are three main types of networks: local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and metropolitan area networks. A LAN connects computers within a small, confined area like a home or office using cables, with one computer acting as a file server to store shared software. In contrast, a WAN connects computers over long distances using technologies like telephone lines, satellites, and radio links to span locations like districts, states, and countries with the Internet as a common example.