Local
Updated: 06/22/2024 by Computer Hope
Local may refer to any of the following:
1. With a LAN (Local Area Network), local refers to a network with networking equipment or computers close to each other. Instead of a WAN (Wide Area Network) or network spread across multiple locations or even around the world. For example, your home network is a good example of a LAN, and the Internet is a good example of a WAN.
Note
Working locally on a computer (local access) refers to anything only done on your computer. Don't confuse this type of access with a LAN, which is local but also allows access to other computers and resources.
2. With a file or storage medium, local or local storage refers to a computer's storage location. See our local drive page for further information on this term.