Networks

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Computer Networks.

How they affect a small business:

A network is a group of coputers that are linked together. The primary reason for having a network is to access information from other computers, share information, share hardware and communication.

Types of Networks for a Samll Busines:

Small businesses will use a LAN (Local Area Network). These computers are close in distance and are connected by co-axial cable, twisted pair or they may be wireless.

Types if Networks

Peer to Peer- in a peer to peer network all computers that are hooked up have the same role. There is no computer "in charge" of the rest.

Client/Server- one or more computers are the "Boss" (server). This computer ist he 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 computersa re conneted 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 hardware that allows the computer to communicate to each other.

A method of communication - usually twisted pair, co-azial, phone liine or wireless

Protocol- a protocol is a language or method of commnication (netbeui, TCP/IP, Appletalk)

Hub, withc, Rounter or Backbone- Hardware or cable that the computer plugs in to.

How does a network help a small business?

• Save money by sharing hardware like printer instead of each ciomputer having its own.
• Save time by easily transfering information and date more quickly.
• Potentially have increase security
• Allows data to be in one place only so that it is current and correct
• Can share internet connections
• A server provides mroe reliability, if one of the workstations break it doesn't affect the rest of the network.

Cost

The initial cost of setting up a network may be hihg but the costs should be made up in the savings of not having to buy additional hardware and increase productivity.

Security and Viruses

security needs to be set to protect information from people and viruses. Using usernames and passowords will help.