 |
|
Computer Basics
 7 - Computer to Computer:
Networks
|
 |
 A network is a set of computers which are linked together on a permanent basis. This can mean two computers cabled together on the same desk, or thousands of computers across the world.
| Advantages: |
Enables users to share hardware like scanners and printers. This reduces costs by reducing the number of hardware items bought.
Allows users access to data stored on others' computers. This keeps everyone up-to-date on the latest data, since it's all in the same file, rather than having to make copies of the files, which are immediately out-of-date.
Can even let users run programs that are not installed on their own computers but are installed elsewhere in the network. This reduces the effort for networks administrators to keep programs configured correctly and saves a lot of storage space.
|
| Disadvantages: |
Accessing anything across a network is slower than accessing your own computer.
More complexity adds new problems to handle.
Less customization is possible for shared programs and folders. Everyone will have to follow the same conventions for storing and naming files so others can find the right files.
Sharing is hard for some folks!
|
|
 |
|
LAN
A LAN is a Local Area Network. This would include networks where the computers are relatively close together. So LANs would be within the same office, a single building, or several buildings close together.
The graphic at the right shows two buildings with 4 departments connected as a LAN. |
 |
WAN
|
A WAN is a Wide Area Network, which would be all networks too large to be LANs. There doesn't seem to be a clear line between the two designations. A WAN would be most useful for large companies with offices or factories in widely separated areas, like Microsoft, IBM, Ford, AT&T, etc. |
 |
   
|
~~ 1 Cor. 10:31 ...whatever you do, do it all for the
glory of God. ~~
Last updated:
22 Jan 2008 |
