Networks are a collection of computers that are connected together with wires and wireless signals. These connected computers send and receive data and instructions to each other. The data and instructions that are sent across a network are more than just what you see when you type on your keyboard or click on a website link. They happen in the background so that the computers know how to act in all sorts of situations.
网络是指多台通过有线和无线信号连接在一起的多台计算机的集合。这些连接在一起的计算机相互发送和接收数据以及指令。当你在你的键盘上打字或者点击一个网站链接时，计算机会通过网络发送数据和指令。计算机知道在各种情况下行动的原因是由于数据和指令在底层的交互。
Imagine that networks are the electronic versions of all the post offices around the world. If you want to send a package to somebody, you put the correct addresses and postage on it and drop it at the post office. Then the post office clerk puts special symbols on the package. Those symbols help all the other post office employees know what to do with that package when it comes to them. Networks do the same thing, but they do it with computers instead of physical locations.
将网络想象称为全世界的电子邮局。如果你想发送一个包裹给某人，你需要填写正确的地址和支付邮费然后把它放在邮局。然后邮局员工会将包裹做特别的标记。这些标记将会帮助邮局的其他员工了解应该如何转运。网络也是做同样的事情，但它是使用电脑的网络地址而不是物理地址。
Networking can be defined as the act of:
网络的定义：
-
setting up new networks (usually by installing computers and cables).
-
建立新网络（通过安装电脑和电缆）
-
sending information back and forth across one or more networks.
-
通过一个或者多个网络向任意网络地址发送信息
Networking allows computer users to share data and interact with each other, even though they are using two different computers. People can network with each other anywhere; they can use networking while they are in the same room, or they can use networking while they are each in two different countries/regions.
网络允许电脑用户分享数据和彼此相互影响，即使他们使用两台不同的电脑。人们能够连接到网络中的任何位置；他们能跨区域和国家使用网络。