Introduction of Computer Networks

 M.Sarulatha
Assistant Professor
Dept. of CA,JJC.

What is a Network?

A network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share resources (such as printers and CDs), exchange files, or allow electronic communications. The computers on a network may be linked through cables, telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams.

Advantages and disadvantages of networks

Advantages

·         Sharing devices such as printers saves money.

·         Site (software) licences are likely to be cheaper than buying several standalone licences.

·         Files can easily be shared between users.

·         Network users can communicate by email and instant messenger.

·         Security is good - users cannot see other users' files unlike on stand-alone machines.

·         Data is easy to backup as all the data is stored on the file server.

Disadvantages

·         Purchasing the network cabling and file servers can be expensive.

·         Managing a large network is complicated, requires training and a network manager usually needs to be employed.

·         If the file server breaks down the files on the file server become inaccessible. Email might still work if it is on a separate server. The computers can still be used but are isolated.

·         Viruses can spread to other computers throughout a computer network.

·         There is a danger of hacking, particularly with wide area networks. Security procedures are needed to prevent such abuse, eg a firewall.

 

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