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Section 4.1:
An Introduction to Computer Networking |
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In this section we will discuss what networks are, including advantages and disadvantages of using them.
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Key Concepts of this section:
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Understand what a network is.
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Know what networks enable us to do.
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Be able to describe advantages and disadvantages of setting up a computer network. |
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Computer networks |
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Key Words:
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Network, Resources, Linked, Communicate. |
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What is a computer network? |
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A computer network consists of 2 or more computers or electronic devices such as printers that have been linked together in order to share data.
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Examples: |
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A network is two or more computers joined together. |
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Computers on a network can share the same printer. |
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Computers can be connected together using
network cables. |
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Computers can be connected to a network
using Wi-Fi. |
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School networks allow students to access their data from any computer. |
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A network can break down if network cables are damaged. |
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Too few printers on a network can cause print queues (printer has too many jobs at once). |
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Networks can vary in size, for example:
- Home/school networks can consist of only a few linked computers
- Huge networks (like the internet) can consist of billions of computers.
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Computers not connected to a network are known as 'stand-alone' computers.
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What do networks enable us to do? |
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Networks allow users to:
- Share files
- Send emails to each other
- Share resources (like printers or scanners).
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How are networked computers joined together? |
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Computers on networks are usually connect using:
- Cables (if the computers are linked together in the same room/building)
- Radio signals (Wi-Fi)
- Telephone lines and satellites (for long-range connections).
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Advantages and disadvantages of computer networks: |
Advantages of computer networks |
Connecting computers together on a network offers some advantages:
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Resources such as printers, scanners and internet can be shared |
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Files and data can be shared |
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Easy to communicate with people on the network
(email, messaging, video-conferencing etc) |
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We can access our data from any computer (like your student: drive at school) |
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Data can be backed up to a separate computer for security |
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Network administrator can control the network
(changing passwords, monitor the internet etc) |
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Connecting computers together on the internet offers the following advantages: |
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Access huge amount of information and files |
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Communicate with people around the world (msn, Skype etc) |
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Access large amounts of media and entertainment
(like music, YouTube videos etc) |
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Use on-line services like online shopping and banking etc |
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Disadvantages of computer networks |
Computers connected to a network can run into problems such as:
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If part of the network fails (i.e. a network cable is severed) – this can cause the whole network to break down (data can't pass through the damaged cable)
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Viruses can spread across the network very easily and quickly
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If a computer on the network is hacked into then all other computers are prone to attack
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Networks that use too few printers can see printing queues develop
(due to the amount of people trying to print)
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Computers connected over the internet have a different set of disadvantages: |
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We are very prone to virus and spyware infection from other internet users
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We are open to ‘phishing’ and other scams which target internet users for personal details such as bank numbers etc |
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We can leave ourselves and our children exposed to undesirable material |
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Click the above task and answer the questions about
networking basics. |
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Please add your questions/comments below: |
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Section 10: Communication |
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Links to Practical Units: |
Section 11: File Management |
Section 12: Images |
Section 13: layout |
Section 14: Styles |
Section 15: Proofing |
Section 16: Graphs and Charts |
Section 17: Document Production |
Section 18: Data Manipulation |
Section 19: Presentations |
Section 20: Data Analysis |
Section 21: Website Authoring |
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