Benefits of a network do not include

Concept

A computer network connects multiple devices so they can communicate and share resources. Its classic advantages fall into three buckets: sharing information/data, sharing hardware (peripherals like printers and storage), and centralised management of users and resources. These are the benefits a network is built to deliver.

Application

The question asks which listed item is NOT a benefit. Checking each against the cost/benefit reality of running a network:

• Improved information sharing — a core purpose: connected machines exchange files and data freely, so this IS a benefit.

• Better monitoring of worker performance — central servers and logs let an administrator track usage and activity, so this IS a benefit.

• Sharing of peripherals — one printer, scanner or storage device can serve many users over the network, so this IS a benefit.

• Low maintenance cost — a network adds cabling/hardware, security, backups and ongoing administration; it raises maintenance effort and cost rather than lowering it. This is NOT a benefit.

Cross-check

Three of the four items are textbook reasons organisations install networks, while increased setup and upkeep cost is a well-known drawback of networking. So the item that does NOT belong among the benefits is “Low maintenance cost.”