Computer Networking

Computer Networking

In the simplest term network is a group of two or more computers interconnected by cable or some other media enabling them to share information and resources. With a network a large number of people can simultaneously work on different parts of the same database share information and resources. In a computer network multiple user can access the same information and connect the same resources.

A networking is a group of connected computers that allow people to share their resources (Hardware and Software) and information.

Advantages of Networking

Ø  It allows sharing of information held on disk drive and sharing resources such as disk storage, printer, scanner ect.

Ø  It is easier to store application programs on one computer and make them available to all users.

Ø  It allows electronic mail to be sent between users.

Ø  It is easier to setup new user and equipment.

Disadvantages of Networking             

Ø  User becomes dependent on them. Eg The Network file server developed of fault than many user will be unable to urn application program.

Ø  If the network stop operating than it may not be possible to access various hardware.

Ø  It is difficult to make system secured from hackers.

Ø  As traffic increases of a network the performance degrades. Unless it is properly designed.

A resource may be:

§  A file

§  A folder

§  A printer

§  A disk drive

§  Or just about anything else that exists on a computer.

A network is simply a collection of computers or other hardware devices that are connected together, either physically or logically, using special hardware and software, to allow them to exchange information and cooperate. Networking is the term that describes the processes involved in designing, implementing, upgrading, managing and otherwise working with networks and network technologies.

Network elements

Servers

Servers are the computers that provide the shared resources to network users. There is usually only one server in a small network, but bigger networks may have more than one server.

  Clients

Clients are the computers that can access the shared network resources provided by a server.

 Media

The computers in a network are connected to each other by hardware components, such as cables. These components are called the media.

 Shared data

A server provides shared resources and data over a network. The files that are provided by the server over the network are called shared data. This shared data can be a document, a worksheet or a folder.

Resources

Files, printers or other items that can be used by network users are known as resources. These resources can be either hardware or software resources.

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