COMP NETWORKINGFullscreen Mode
TOPIC 1
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER NETWORKS
Definition
A computer network is a set of computers connected together for the purpose of sharing resources.
The most common resource shared today is connection to the Internet. Other shared resources can include a printer or a file server.
Advantages of Computer Network
Networks allow data transmission among far areas also within local areas.
Networks allow different users share the processing characteristics of different computers.
Network allows users to share common set of data files and software stored in a main system.
Network allows users to share common hardware resources such as printers, fax machines,
modem etc.
The cost of computing is reduced to each user as compared to the development and maintain of each single computer system.
Role of computer networks
Describes why and how computer networks support successful work
Information and communication are two of the most important strategic issues for the success of every enterprise. While today nearly every organization uses a substantial number of computers and communication tools ( telephones, fax, personal handheld devices), they are often still isolated. While managers today are able to use the newest applications, many departments still do not communicate and much needed information cannot be readily accessed.
To overcome these obstacles in an effective usage of information technology, computer networks are necessary. They are a new kind (one might call it paradigm) of organization of computer systems produced by the need to merge computers and communications. At the same time they are the means to converge the two areas; the unnecessary distinction between tools to process and store information and tools to collect and transport information can disappear. Computer networks can manage to put down the barriers between information held on several (not only computer) systems. Only with the help of computer networks can a borderless communication and information environment be built.
Computer networks allow the user to access remote programs and remote databases either of the same organization or from other enterprises or public sources. Computer networks provide communication possibilities faster than other facilities. Because of these optimal information and communication possibilities, computer networks may increase the organizational learning rate, which many authors declare as the only fundamental advantage in competition.
