Data communication involves the exchange of data between two or more parties through various means such as writing, talking, images, and electronic communication like emails and calls. An effective data communication model includes a source that generates data, a transmitter that converts it into signals, a transmission system that carries the data, a receiver that converts it back into data, and a destination that receives the incoming data. Computer networks allow for sharing of resources like files, printers, and applications between connected computers. Common network topologies include bus, star, ring and mesh configurations that determine how the connected computers are physically laid out and communicate with each other.