What protocol allows computers to share information outside their network?

The correct choice is TCP/IP, which stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. This suite of communication protocols is foundational for transferring data across networks, including the Internet. TCP/IP enables various devices on different networks to communicate with each other by providing a standardized method for data transmission.

While HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is specifically designed for transferring web pages, it operates on top of the TCP/IP layer. Similarly, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used for file transfer over a network and also utilizes TCP/IP for its operations. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is used for sending emails, again relying on TCP/IP to function effectively. In contrast, TCP/IP encompasses a much broader set of functionalities and protocols that facilitate communication between computers across diverse networks, making it the appropriate choice for sharing information outside a local network.