Networks
A A group of interconnected computers/devices. is two or more computers (or other electronic devices) that are connected together for the purpose of communication. They are connected by a wired medium such as cables, or by a wireless medium such as A method of connecting to the internet wirelessly using radio waves..
A computer or device that is not connected to a network is called a A device that is not connected to a network or other device..
Today, many different types of computer are connected to some form of network. As well as PCs, many other devices can be connected, such as smartphones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, car engine management systems, internet-enabled fridges, intelligent personal assistants and media boxes.
Advantages of using networks
Computer networks bring a number of benefits:
- The act of sharing files over the internet. - users can share files with other users
- The physical parts of a computer system, eg a graphics card, hard disk drive or CD drive. sharing - users can share hardware, such as a printer
- communication - users can communicate via Electronic mail. A method for sending messages and files to other people., chat, or by video
- roaming access - users can sign in to any computer on the network and be able to access their files
On larger networks, such as those used by businesses and schools, there are additional benefits:
- centralised maintenance and updates - network managers can apply software updates across a network, removing the need for a user to worry about having to do so
- centralised security - anti-virus The programs, applications and data in a computer system. Any parts of a computer system that aren't physical. and A type of software or hardware that stops unauthorised access to the network. A firewall is a piece of software usually included as a utility within an operating system. can be implemented across a network, helping to protect user files from risks
- user monitoring - network managers can monitor what users do on a network
- levels of access - different users can be given different access rights. This gives network managers the ability to generally restrict user access to certain files, while granting permission to specific users
Disadvantages of networks
Computer networks can also bring several problems:
- cost - additional equipment is needed to allow computers to communicate
- management - networks require management by technical staff such as a network manager
- spread of Software that is designed to cause harm or damage to a computer. This includes viruses that might damage files, adware that causes pop-ups, and spyware that collects and shares login details. - viruses and other forms of malware can easily spread across an improperly secured network
- Gaining unauthorised access to data in a computer. - once a device is connected to another device, it is possible that data may be accessed without the device owner's permission
