Networks

Networks

1. Stand Alone

   • A computer used on its own without any connection to other computers
   • + cheaper hardware and software, less IT knowledge needed, fewer problems with viruses
   • - hard to install software, hard to update software, hard to keep data up-to-date

2. Computer Network

   • A group of computers connected together by means of cables
   • + share files, improved security, easier to back up files
   • - technical knowledge needed, lack of access when file server fails

3. In an Organisation

   • Remote Management - fix some hardware/software problems remotely e.g. clear printer queues
   • User management - better monitoring of what all staff are using their systems for
   • Central backup - easier to backup data by being able to do it from one central location
   • Central pool of data - all staff can access data from a central pool of data
   • Collaborative working - staff can work jointly on the same document at the same time

4. In the home

   • + central backup of all the data, access any files from any of the machines, parents can monitor what their children are doing
     • - cost of cabling the whole house, health problems, mess and disruption if the whole house needs rewiring

5. Network Manager

   • + monitor what staff are doing from a central point, backups can be done centrally, ensure all anti-virus software is up to date

6. LAN/WAN

   • LAN - a network where the linked hardware is confined to a single office or site and where all the wires and other devices needed for the LAN are owned by the organisation
     • LAN/WAN in Healthcare
       • X Rays and scan results are now available almost instantaneously across a hospital's LAN from radiography to a consultant's room. It allows quicker and more efficient diagnosis, patients can be shown they images when they are in their own beds.
       • Expert systems such as NHS direct are now available over the web, which allows patients to access information without having to leave their own home and saves doctors from having to deal with minor cases.
       • Doctors surgeries can now access blood test results from hospital pathology labs across the web, allowing faster and more up to date results, hence allowing more accurate diagnostic.
   • WAN - a network where the hardware is spread over a wide geographical area and where the organisation does not own some or all of the telecommunications equipment used

7. Intanet - private internet inside an organisation

   • + allows consultants to access information from home, allows doctors to see x-rays at the bedside

8. Extranet - intranets opened to select groups of users outside the company such as customers, suppliers, etc

9. Internet - A network of networks, enabling people to exchange and share data

   • + share resources with other people in other countries, stay in touch with family and friends, order items 24/7
     • - access inappropriate material, cyberbullying, health problems, addiction

10. Email - an electronic message sent from one communication device to another

    • + messages can be sent across the world, attach files, don't have to leave the house, environmentally friendly, global accessibility
    • - reliant on the recipient having an email account, junk mail clogs your system, damage done by email scams