What is the difference between a computer and a network?

Computer:

• A device that can store, retrieve, and process data.
• It can be a standalone machine or part of a larger network.
• A computer can be used for various purposes, such as education, entertainment, business, and research.

Network:

• A collection of interconnected computers and devices that can share resources and data.
• It is a physical or virtual connection that allows devices to communicate with each other.
• A network can be local (within a building) or wide (spanning multiple cities or countries).

Key Differences:

| Feature | Computer | Network | |---|---|---| | Purpose | Store, retrieve, and process data | Share resources and data | | Location | Standalone or part of a network | Physical or virtual | | Users | One or more | Multiple | | Examples | Personal computer, smartphone, server | Local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), cloud |

In summary:

• A computer is a single device that can perform data processing tasks.
• A network is a collection of computers and devices that are interconnected to share resources and data.