In computer networking a work group is collection of computers connected on a LAN that share the common resources and responsibilities. Workgroup is Microsoft's term for a peer-to-peer local area network. Previously, only computers running Microsoft operating systems in the same work group may share files, printers, or Internet connection, but now most operating systems support work groups, or have external software capable of implementing work groups. Work group contrasts with a domain, in which computers rely on centralized authentication.