Introduction to data transmission – history / reliability and the need for standards Standardisation is essential because different data standards may not work correctly when received by systems expecting different standards. To amend this, converting may be required or the systems could be given the same format.

THE LANGUAGE OF THE WEB HTML or Hyper Text Mark-up Language is used to create websites on the web. It is a text based programming language which determines the layout and content of a site. For widespread formatting a CSS (cascading style sheet) may be used.

Definition and types of networks – bus topology / star topology / ring topology BUS - A topology that takes a linear form and consists of a main bus which connects the nodes separately along it and often ending in a terminator. The advantages of this topology are simplicity and cost however it is susceptible to data collisions and the main bus can cause cut off nodes if broken. Star – This topology has a central server or switch and connects to nodes outwardly from this point. This topology is suited to storage servers in SANS. Its advantages are isolation of nodes if one is disabled, fast data transfer between the server and nodes and potential expandability with switches. Ring – The ring topology is similar to the bus in terms of being linear but is bi-directional which acts as a failsafe and also allows for shorter data transfer.

LANS / WANS / SANS & PANS LANS – Local Area Network – A network in a small area often connected by Ethernet cables. WANS – A Wide Area Network – A large and often internet (VPN) based network that often spans a large geographical area. SANS – Storage Area Network – A way of remotely storing data such as a system. PANS – Personal Area Network – A small network in a private area.

THE CLOUD – ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES Secure due to professional level of security Accessible from many devices Updates to changes Usually large storage Privacy policies can limit use Can incur costs, especially with larger data