A network consists of a number of computers - linked together by cable or using wireless technology, Networks allow computers to - share resources including hardware and software, Computers on a network are able to - communicate with each other, A computer that is not connected to a network is also known as a - standalone computer, Computer networks can be either - LAN or WAN, LAN means - Local Area Network, WAN means - Wide Area Network, A LAN is spread out over a - small geographical area, An example of a LAN is in - a building or office, A WAN is spread out - over a large geographical area on a global scale, A WAN requires a - telecommunications link, such as a fibre optic cable or satellite, The telecommunications link allows - computers on the network to communicate, Networking is an essential - and reliable way of sharing information by linking computers together, There are 6 main advantages of - using networks, Advantage 1: Users can - save work on file server and retrieve it on any other computer within the network, Advantage 2: Expensive hardware - devices such as laser printers, can be shared by all computers on the network, Advantage 3: Files stored on file server - allows data to be shared throughout an organisation, Advantage 4: Backing up data - can be done at file server. This is much more efficient than backing up on a number of individual computers, Advantage 5: Security on a network - can be managed centrally by controlling access to data and software amongst users, Advantage 6: Installing software and updates once - onto file server will allow all computers to access software quickly, There a 4 main - disadvantages of using networks, Disadvantage 1: Software virus installed on a network - can spread quickly, affecting all user data and all organisation's software, Disadvantage 2: Network speed can - slow down if a large number of users are logged onto the network using large data files and different software applications, Disadvantage 3: Set up costs can be very expensive - because of additional hardware purchases required, such as file servers, network interface cards, switches and routers, Disadvantage 4: Staff costs increase because - additional staff are required to ensure a network is fully maintained,

Network Technologies - Part 1

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