Ch-3. COMPUTER NETWORK & INTERNET

Prepared by : Bibhudendra Sarangi

INTRODUCTION

• A computer network, often simply referred to as a network, is a collection of hardware components and computers interconnected by communication channels that allow sharing of resources and information.

​

• A Computer Network is defined as a connection between 2 or more geographically distant computers and other devices through wire (physical) or through wireless (logical) to share information and resources.

Prepared by : Bibhudendra Sarangi

Advantages of Computer Network

• File Sharing: The major advantage of a computer network is that is allows file sharing and remote file access. A person sitting at one workstation of a network can easily see the files present on the other workstation, provided he is authorized to do so. It saves the time which is wasted in copying a file from one system to another, by using a storage device. In addition to that, many people can access or update the information stored in a database, making it up-to-date and accurate.

​

Prepared by : Bibhudendra Sarangi

• Resource Sharing: Resource sharing is also an important benefit of a computer network. Computer resources like CPU, Memory and peripheral devices like Printers, Faxes, Scanners, Copiers, Cameras, Disk Drives can be shared by all the authorized users in the computer network. The resource sharing helps the organization in cost saving in purchase and maintenance.

Prepared by : Bibhudendra Sarangi

• Increased Storage Capacity: As there is more than one computer on a network which can easily share files, the issue of storage capacity gets resolved to a great extent. A standalone computer might fall short of storage memory, but when many computers are on a network, memory of different computers can be used in such case. One can also design a storage server on the network in order to have a huge storage capacity.

​

Prepared by : Bibhudendra Sarangi

• Increased Cost Efficiency: There are many software available in the market which are costly and take time for installation. Computer networks resolve this issue as the software can be stored or installed on a system or a server and can be used by the different workstations.

​

• Time Saving: By using a computer network, the users can save a substantial amount of time in file transferring and communication.

Prepared by : Bibhudendra Sarangi

Computer Network Disadvantages.

• Security Issues: One of the major drawbacks of computer networks is the security issues involved. If a computer is a standalone, physical access becomes necessary for any kind of data theft. However, if a computer is on a network, a computer hacker can get unauthorized access by using different tools. In case of big organizations, various network security software are used to prevent the theft of any confidential and classified data.

​

Prepared by : Bibhudendra Sarangi

• Rapid Spread of Computer Viruses: If any computer system in a network gets affected by computer virus, there is a possible threat of other systems getting affected too. Viruses get spread on a network easily because of the interconnectivity of workstations. Such spread can be dangerous if the computers have important database which can get corrupted by the virus.

​

Prepared by : Bibhudendra Sarangi

• Expensive Set Up: The initial set up cost of a computer network can be high depending on the number of computers to be connected. Costly devices like routers, switches, hubs, etc., can add up to the bills of a person trying to install a computer network. He will also have to buy NICs (Network Interface Cards) for each of the workstations, in case they are not inbuilt.
• Dependency on the Main File Server: In case the main File Server of a computer network breaks down, the system becomes useless. In case of big networks, the File Server should be a powerful computer, which often makes it expensive.

Prepared by : Bibhudendra Sarangi