Final answer:
Local Area Networks (LANs) are the specific type of networks that link local user machines with shared resources like printers and databases, usually restricted to a single building or campus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The networks that specifically link several local user machines with shared devices such as printers and databases are known as Local Area Networks (LANs). This type of network is bound to a small geographical area, often within a single building or campus. In contrast, Wide Area Networks (WANs), such as the Internet, cover broader areas and connect multiple LANs over vast distances. Client/server technology refers to the relationship between two computer programs in which one program, the client, makes a service request from another program, the server, which fulfills the request. Although the Internet is a vast network connecting millions of devices worldwide, it is not limited to local connections and therefore is not the correct answer.
The LAN is a cornerstone in the development of computer networking that has significantly evolved since its early introduction, leading to today's connected world where the Internet catalyzes global communication. The local networking capacity and growth into broad areas have played a crucial role in the process of globalization and the adoption of internet technologies, influencing not only commerce but also cultural exchange and international relations. It's important to acknowledge the role of technological advancements, such as LANs, in shaping modern society and global connectivity.