Networks

Networks

1. Advantages

   • Hardware can be shared
   • Software can be shared
   • Data can be shared
   • Networked computers can communicate
   • Networked computers can be controlled by a network manager

2. Disadvantages

   • The cost of cabling and setting up can be expensive
   • A virus can spread through a network very quickly, infecting each computer
   • Hackers may gain unauthorised access to files saved on a network server
   • Networks can fail to work properly- causing loss of acces to data, hardware and software

3. LAN- Local Area Network

   • Maximum range of a few buildings

4. WAN- Wide Area Network

   • Made up of 2 or more LAN's

5. STAR- all the computers are connected to one hub- most expensive due to large amount of cable

6. BUS - all information pases computer to computer. Least efficient as more information and slower running time