WHAT IS COMPUTER NETWORKING?
Networking, or computer networking, is the process of connecting two or more
computing devices, such as desktop computers, mobile devices, routers or applications,
to enable the transmission and exchange of information and resources.
Key networking components and devices
Before we dive into more complex networking topics, it’s important to understand
fundamental networking components, including:
IP address: An IP address is the unique number assigned to every network
device in an Internet Protocol (IP) network; each IP address identifies the
device’s host network and its location on the network. When one device sends
data to another, the data includes a “header” that includes the IP addresses of
both the sending and receiving devices.
Nodes: A node is a network connection point that can receive, send, create or
store data. It’s essentially any network device—computers, printers, modems,
bridges or switches—that can recognize, process and transmit information to
another network node. Each node requires some form of identification (such an
IP or MAC address) to receive access to the network.
Routers: A router is a physical or virtual device that sends data “packets”
between networks. Routers analyze the data within packets to determine the best
transmission path and use sophisticated routing algorithms to forward data
packets until they reach their destination node.
Switches: A switch is a device that connects network devices and manages
node-to-node communication across a network, making sure that data packets
reach their intended destination. Unlike routers, which send
information between networks, switches send information between
nodes within a network.
Network types by geographical area
The network types in this category are distinguished by the geographical area the
network covers.
Local area network (LAN)
A LAN connects computers over a relatively short distance, such as those within an
office building, school or hospital. LANs are typically privately owned and managed.
Wide area network (WAN)
MANs are larger than LANs but smaller than WANs. Cities and government entities
typically own and manage MANs.
Personal area network (PAN)
A PAN serves one person. If a user has multiple devices from the same manufacturer
(an iPhone and a MacBook, for instance), it’s likely they've set up a PAN that shares
and syncs content—text messages, emails, photos and more—across devices.
What is Network Topology?
Topology defines the structure of the network of how all the components are
interconnected to each other. There are two types of topology: physical and logical
topology.
Types of Network Topology
Below mentioned are the types of Network Topology
1. Point to Point Topology
2. Mesh Topology
3. Star Topology
4. Bus Topology
5. Ring Topology
6. Tree Topology
7. Hybrid Topology
1. Point to Point Topology
Point-to-point topology is a type of topology that works on the
functionality of the sender and receiver. It is the simplest communication
between two nodes, in which one is the sender and the other one is the
receiver. Point-to-Point provides high bandwidth.
2. Mesh Topology
In a mesh topology, every device is connected to another device via a particular
channel. Every device is connected to another via dedicated channels. These
channels are known as links. In Mesh Topology, the protocols used are AHCP (Ad
Hoc Configuration Protocols), DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), etc.
Physical topology is the geometric representation of all the nodes in a network. There
are six types of network topology which are Bus Topology, Ring Topology, Tree
Topology, Star Topology, Mesh Topology, and Hybrid Topology.
3. Bus Topology
1. The bus topology is designed in such a way that all the stations are connected
through a single cable known as a backbone cable.
2. Each node is either connected to the backbone cable by drop cable or directly
connected to the backbone cable.
3. When a node wants to send a message over the network, it puts a message over
the network. All the stations available in the network will receive the message
whether it has been addressed or not.
4. Ring Topology
1. Ring topology is like a bus topology, but with connected ends.
2. The node that receives the message from the previous computer will retransmit
to the next node.
3. The data flows in one direction, i.e., it is unidirectional.
4. The data flows in a single loop continuously known as an endless loop.
5. It has no terminated ends, i.e., each node is connected to other node and having
no termination point.
6. The data in a ring topology flow in a clockwise direction.
5. Star Topology
In Star Topology, all the devices are connected to a single hub through a cable.
This hub is the central node and all other nodes are connected to the central
node. The hub can be passive in nature i.e., not an intelligent hub such as
broadcasting devices, at the same time the hub can be intelligent known as an
active hub. Active hubs have repeaters in them. Coaxial cables or RJ-45 cables
are used to connect the computers. In Star Topology, many
popular Ethernet LAN protocols are used as CD(Collision
Detection), CSMA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access), etc.
6. Hybrid Topology
Hybrid Topology is the combination of all the various types of topologies we
have studied above. Hybrid Topology is used when the nodes are free to take any
form. It means these can be individuals such as Ring or Star topology or can be a
combination of various types of topologies seen above. Each individual topology uses
the protocol that has been discussed earlier.
What are Databases?
A database is a collection of data that is organized and stored in a structured
format, allowing for easy access, manipulation, and analysis of the data. Databases can
be used to store a wide variety of data, including financial records, customer
information, inventory records, and more. There are many different types of databases,
including relational databases, object-oriented databases, and NoSQL databases, and
they can be used in a variety of applications, such as data warehousing, online
transaction processing, and more.
Components of database
Hardware:
Physical electronic devices such as storage devices, I/O devices, and many more. It
can act as an interface between computers and real-world systems.
Software:
Programs for managing and controlling the overall database. DBMS itself is software.
The OS, the database application programs that allow data access in DBMS, the
network software that shares data, etc. are all examples.
Data:
It is the information that is gathered, stored, accessed, and processed by a DBMS, e.g.,
actual data, operational data, and metadata.
Procedure:
It is the specific set of instructions and rules to use a database for designing and
running the DBMS, as well as to instruct users on how to operate and manage it.
Database Schemas
A database schema defines the structure and organization of data within a
database. It outlines how data is logically stored, including the relationships between
different tables and other database objects. The schema serves as a blueprint for how
data is stored, accessed, and manipulated, ensuring consistency and integrity
throughout the system. In this article, we will explore the concept of database schema,
its types, and how it plays a crucial role in designing efficient and scalable databases
Data base schema is composed of;
1. Tables or relations
2. Views
3. Procedure
4. Functions
5. Types
6. Synonyms
What is MS Office
Microsoft Office (MS Office) is a collection of applications that help with productivity and
office tasks. It includes programs for word processing, spreadsheets, databases,
presentations, and more.
What's included?
Microsoft Word: For word processing
Microsoft Excel: For spreadsheets, charts, and graphs
Microsoft PowerPoint: For presentations
Microsoft Access: For creating and managing databases
Microsoft Outlook: For email communication
Microsoft OneNote: For note-taking
Microsoft Publisher: For creating publications
Short Cut Keys
Here are some common shortcut keys for Microsoft Office applications:
Open a document. Ctrl+O
Create a new document. Ctrl+N
Save the document. Ctrl+S
Close the document. Ctrl+W
Cut the selected content to the Clipboard. Ctrl+X
Copy the selected content to the Clipboard. Ctrl+C
Paste the contents of the Clipboard. Ctrl+V
Paste text only. Ctrl+Shift+V
Select all document content. Ctrl+A
Apply bold formatting to text. Ctrl+B
Apply italic formatting to text. Ctrl+I
Apply underline formatting to text. Ctrl+U
Decrease the font size by 1 point. Ctrl+Left bracket ([)
Increase the font size by 1 point. Ctrl+Right bracket (])
Center the text. Ctrl+E
Align the text to the left. Ctrl+L
Align the text to the right. Ctrl+R
Cancel a command. Esc
Undo the previous action. Ctrl+Z
Redo the previous action, if possible. Ctrl+Y
Zoom in. Ctrl+Plus sign (+)
Zoom out. Ctrl+Minus sign (-)
Return back to 100% zoom. Ctrl+0
Zoom in and out with mouse. Ctrl+Scroll
Split the document window. Ctrl+Alt+S
