Computing Basics Andres, Wen-Yuan Liao Department of Computer Science and Engineering De Lin Institute of Technology

Overview Look at the components of a computer and at the role of computers in a networking system The Internet: tree Computers: leaves on the tree

The Basics of Computer Hardware Major components of a PC Information flow in an idealized computer The relationship of NICs to PCs The installation of a NIC in a PC PC components versus laptop components

When you select a network card, consider the following three factors: 1. Type of network Ethernet, Token Ring, or FDDI 2. Type of media Twisted-pair, coaxial, or fiber-optic cable 3. Type of system bus PCI or ISA

PCMCIA card

The Basics of Computer Software Configuring network settings Verify Web browser configuration Troubleshooting lab: hardware and software The purpose of software Interact with the computer or networking device, to get it to do what you want.

first popular browser takes less disk space considered by many to be simple to use displays HTML files, does and file transfers, and other functions

powerfully connected to other Microsoft products takes more disk space considered more difficult to use displays HTML files, does and file transfers, and other functions

plug-in applications: display special, or proprietary, file types

Binary Numbers Binary numbers represent alphanumeric data Bits and bytes The Base 10 (decimal) number system The Base 2 (binary) number system

Basic Networking Terminology Networks and networking Data networks Data Networking Solutions Local area networks Wide area networks

Network A network is an intricately connected system of objects or people. communications transportation social biological utilities

Data Networking Solutions LANs are usually located in single buildings or campuses, and handle interoffice communications connect all of the workstations, peripherals, terminals, and other devices in a single building share such things as files and printers. WANs cover a large geographical area, and connect cities and countries.

WANs interconnected LANs

Digital Bandwidth Digital bandwidth measurements Three analogies to describe digital bandwidth Media bandwidth differences Data throughput in relation to digital bandwidth Data transfer calculation The importance of bandwidth

Bandwidth is the measure of how much information can flow from one place to another in a given amount of time.

Throughput Refers to actual, measured, bandwidth, at a specific time of day, using specific internet routes, while downloading a specific file Less then the maximum possible digital bandwidth of the medium

Summary