Computers talking to each other

This has been on my mind a lot lately, because I'm working with a small business client to create a network for them.  Funny thing about the word network...in my previous life as a college Mass Communications major, I learned that technically, boiled down to its essence, a network is two TV or radio stations sharing content.

I figure we can say the same about computers to make the concept less intimidating.  A network is essentially two computers configured to share data.  Sure, it can be more than two, but once you think of it this way, it's not so mystifying.  At home, my 2 desktops, 2 laptops, Blu-Ray player and Xbox 360 can -- on a good day when the stars align and the gods of cat5e smile upon me -- communicate.  So they're a network.

Large businesses usually has networks called domains, where a central server controls accounts, security, etc.  Small businesses and homes can get by with a network called a workgroup, where computers and their humans can share data with no centralized control but also not as much need for ongoing management.

When I tell people I'm a network engineer, I usually get a blank stare.  Really, I just make sure computers can talk to each other, among other things.

That's all a network is.  Computers talking to each other.