The mobile telephone and other wireless technologies are revolutionizing how we use computers today. You can connect your microcomputer to other people’s microcomputers, to the Internet, and to other, larger computers located throughout the world. As we’ve mentioned earlier, this connectivity puts incredible power on your desk. The result is increased productivity—for you as an individual and for the groups and organizations of which you are a member. Connectivity has become particularly important in business, where individuals now find themselves connected in networks to other individuals and departments.

Communication systems are the electronic systems that transmit data over communications lines from one location to another. You might work for an organization whose computer system is spread throughout a building, or even throughout the country or world. Or you might use telecommunications lines—telephone lines—to tap into information located in an outside data bank. You could then transmit it to your microcomputer for your own reworking and analysis.

You can even set up a network in your home or apartment using existing telephone lines. Or you can set up a wireless network. Then you can share files, use one Internet connection, and play interactive games with others in your home.

Competent end users need to understand the concept of connectivity, the impact of the wireless revolution, and the elements of a communication system. Additionally, they need to understand the basics of communication channels, connection devices, data transmission, networks, network types, network architectures, and organizational networks.