ICT PA PREPARATION
Computer network-2 or more computers or other electronic devices connected together,so that they
can exchange data
Network-allows computers to share les,users to message each other,a whole room of computers to
share a single printer
Network connections-created using cables(wires),however connections can be created using radio
signals(wireless),telephone lines(and modems) or even,for very long distances via satellite links
BY USING A NETWORK,WE CAN:
-easily share les and data
-share resources,like,printers and internet connections
-communicate with other network users(e-mail,instant messaging,video-conference)
-store network centerally
-keep all of our settings centerally,so we can use any workstation.
WHY WE SHOULD NOT USE NETWORK
-The computer is vulnerable to hackers
-If the network fails,many tasks become very di ucult
-your computer can more easily be attacked by a virus
If we connect to an internet,we should:
-be careful about revealing personal information
-be careful to avoid suspect websites that might contain malware
-be aware that information found on the internet is not always accurate or reliable
When we use the internet we can:
-make use of online services(shopping,banking)
-get access to a range of information
-access di erent forms of entertainment
-join online communities(Facebook,zoom)
Computers connected together to create a network,fall into 2 categories:
-Servers
-Clients(workstations)
Standalone computer-a computer that is not connected to a network
CLIENTS
Normal computers that people sit at to get their work done
SERVERS
Special,powerful computers that provide "services" to the client computer on the network
SERVICES:
• Providing a central,common le storage area
• sharing hardware
• controling access
• sharing internet connections
Servers-very reliable,much more expensive
-Small network-one server can provide all these services
-large network-there might be many servers sharing the work
TYPES OF NETWORKS
1)LAN(LOCAL ARE NETWORK)-Connects computer systems that are located in a speci c limited
area(room,home,o ce,building,school).These networks have high speed for data transfer.
• Clients can share peripheral devices(scanners,printers,storage)
• data could be shared
• infrastructure needs to be built
2)WLAN(WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORK)-Allows devices to connect and communicate with
each other wirelessly,using radio frequency(RF) technology.
• used in places where it is not practical or cost-e ective to run wired connections
• uses wireless APs to transmit and receive data
SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES(LAN AND WLAN)
SIMILARITIES DIFFERENCES
• act on a local level -di erent transmission medium
• allow communication -LAN is safer
• used to connect devices -LAN is faster
• allow sharing of resources -WLAN o ers greater exibility
ARPANET-advanced research projecets agency network
SWITCH HUB
(smart device) (dumb device)
• Sends speci c packets of data -sends data packets to all the workstations on the
to speci c computers on the networks which causes network tra c
LAN using workstations,unique
MAC addresses.
• more secure,more expensive -poor security
• used in larger networks -suitable for small home networks
(Schools,o ces)
