Introduction of Computer Networks
M.SarulathaAssistant ProfessorDept. 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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