What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a LAN?

Answer:

The only reason for creating a LAN is if you want to connect more than one local computer to each other (or other networked device, like a network printer).
A LAN is a Local Area Network, which is becoming very typical in many households.
The LAN may be connected to the Internet, but that is a different topic.

Answer:

Bad things:
Power - a good LAN is required to be on all the times.
Security - each computer and device become another point of entry for undesireables.
Upkeep - when things go wrong or the software gets updated.
Frustration if having a problem setting up.
A lot of times a network shares one Internet connection - if all computers running at once, can reduce speed for each.

Good things:
Easy to share devices (printers, scanners, external drives)
Easy to share data (homework, pictures..)
Build a complex enough one and you may get enough experience to get a new job.


Answer
ADV.
Lan is in Complete control of the Ownner.
Data transfer is Fast.
Low Error rate than WAN.
Cost of LAN Setup is low.


DisADV.
Area covered is Small or limited.
Maintenance is required regularly.
Special need for Security is required.

First answer by The lord of boon. Last edit by Heavyice. Contributor trust: 3 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 13 [recommend question].