Networks
Computer Networks.
How They Affect a Small Business
a net work is a group of computers linked together. the Primary reason for haveing a network is to access information from other computers, share inofo, share hardware and communication.
Types of Networks for Small Business
Small busisness will use a LAN (Local Area Network). These computers are close in distance and are connected by co-axial cable, twisted pair or htey may be wireless
Types of Networks
Peer to Peer- in a Peer to Peer network all computers that are hooked up have thesame role. There is no computer "in charge" of the rest.
Client/server- one or more computers are he "Boss" (server). this computer is one that checks who the user is or that shares files, connections, printers etc.
Network Configurations
Bus- there is a backbone cable that others connect to:
Star- all of the computers connected to a central hub(s):
What do I need for a network?
I need at least two computers for a network.
NIC- Network Interface Card is a piece of harware that allows the computers to communitcate to each other.
A method of Communication-usually twisted pair, Co-axialm, phone line or Wireless
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Protocol- A protocol is a LAnguage or method of communicarion (netbure, TCP/IP, Appletalk)
Hub, Switch, Route or Backbone- Hardware that the computer plugs into.
How does a network help a small business?
Save Money by sharing hardware like printers insteread of each computer having is own..
SAve time by eassily transfering info and data more quickly
potential have increased security
allows data to be in one place onley so that it is current and correct
can share intenet connections
a server provides more reliability, if one of the workstations break down it doesn'e affect the ret of the network.
Cost
The intial cost of settin gup a network may be high but the costs should be made up in the savings of not having to buy aditional hardware and increse productivity.
Security and Viruses
Security needs to be set to protect info frm People and Viruses. Using usernames and password willl help.