Be it for entertainment purposes, such as network gaming or for business applications where sharing of data is essential, having computers networked is more prevalent than ever. Sharing makes economic sense. Rather than buying a printer for each PC, you buy one printer and let everyone on the network use it. And, since you're only purchasing one printer instead of two or three, you can probably afford a better printer. The same goes for modems, scanners and other peripherals.
Sharing also makes practical sense.
Anyone who has collaborated on a project knows how difficult it can be to keep track of document versions when other workers in the office are constantly exchanging floppy disks and each user has a copy of the same file on his or her hard disk. Setting up some form of automated backup regime is arguably the most important automation task that a small office should undertake. Easy, affordable Networking PCs in a home or small office is easier and more affordable than ever before. This method requires only a direct serial cable connection with another personal computer. Setting up a small network for sharing files and peripherals under Windows 95 should be a relatively easy undertaking, especially since many of the network interface cards available today are Plug and Play-compatible.