Which of the following best describes a computer network?

• A. A method of connecting multiple devices to the internet
• B. A system that provides a single user access to data
• C. A group of interconnected computers that communicate and share resources
• D. A software that protects against viruses

Answer: (C)

A computer network is best described as a group of interconnected computers that communicate and share resources. This definition captures the essence of what networking entails—multiple devices (computers, printers, servers, etc.) are linked together allowing them to transmit data and share resources such as files, applications, and internet connections.

In a network, computers can communicate by sending data packets over wired or wireless connections, making it possible for information to flow between devices. This interconnectedness facilitates collaborative work, file sharing, and access to shared resources like printers and storage devices.

Other choices do not encapsulate the broader definition of a computer network. For example, connecting multiple devices to the internet primarily describes internet connectivity rather than the full capacity of interaction and resource sharing within a network. A system providing access to data for a single user does not reflect the collaborative nature of networks. A software that protects against viruses is unrelated to the concept of networking itself; it pertains to cybersecurity rather than inter-device communication.