Networks

Networks

1. Networks in Organisations

   • Remote management
     • Fix some hardware or software problems remotely eg. clearing printer queues
   • User management and monitoring
     • Better monitoring in real time of what all staff are suing the systems for
   • Central auditing of transactions
     • Auditing software keeps a record of who has logged on, when, for how long, what programes were used and what was amended
   • Central Backup
     • Easier to back up data by being able to do it from one central location
   • Central software installation
     • Easier and quicker to install software as it can be done centrally and then shared out to all stations without physically going to each one
   • Central pool of data and documents
     • 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

2. Networks in the Home

   • Advantages
     • Only need one set of hardware such as laser printers or scanners which can be accessed from any machine
     • Can do a central backup of all the data
     • Can easily access any files from any machines
     • Two or more people can access the same document at the same time
     • Parents can more easily monitor what their children are doing on the network
     • Central installation of software such as anti-virus
   • Disadvantages
     • Extra money needs to be spend on cabling the whole house
     • Health problems associated with wireless networks
     • A lot of mess and disruption if the whole house needs rewiring

3. Network Managers

   • Advantages
     • Can monitor what staff are doing from one central location
     • IT manager can install software from a central point without going round each machine
     • Backups can be done centrally
     • User security policies can be centrally administered
     • Can ensure anti virus software is up to date
     • Remote management of stations

4. LANS AND WANS

   • LAN - A network where the linked hardware is confined to a single office or site and where all the wires and devices needed for the LAN are owned by the organisation
   • 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
   • 6 mark question with 3 well defined points
     • X rays and scans are now available almost instantaneously across a hospital's LAN from radiography to a consultants room. It allows quicker and more efficient diagnosis and the patient can be shown the images at the bedside
     • 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 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

5. Internet, Intranet and Extranets

   • Intranet
     • A private internal network only accessible from within the organisation
     • Advantages to hospital
       • Allows consultants to access priviledged information from home
       • Allows user access to information which non medical staff cannot have
       • Allows additional security to information as it stays inside the hospital
       • Allows doctors to see X rays at the bedside
   • Extranet
     • Intranets opened up to a select group of users outside the company such as customers or suppliers
   • The Internet
     • A network of networks enabling people to exchange and share data
     • Advantages
       • Allows online shopping if you realise you need something after the shop closes
       • You can order 24/7 and it will be delivered first thing the next day
       • Can video conference with friends and family to make it easier to stay in touch
       • Files and resources can be shared with people in other countries
     • Disadvantages
       • The ability to access inappropriate material
       • Children forming "friendships" with strangers
       • Cyberbullying
       • Privacy is eroded or lost
       • Gambling addictions
     • Email
       • An electronic message sent from one communication device to another
         • Advantages
           • Messages can be sent across the world for the price of a phone call
           • Ability to attach files
           • Can send the same message to several different people at the same cost as one call
           • Environmentally friendly as paperless
           • Easier to find a stored email than a filed letter
         • Disadvantages
           • Reliant on the recipient having an email account
           • Users need to be computer literate
           • Junk mail can clog your system
           • Personal emails can distract people from their work
           • Damage can be done by email scams