Networks

Learning Objectives: By the end of this lesson you should be able to:

Learning Objectives: By the end of this lesson you should be able to: identify the advantages and disadvantages of using networks (including the Internet);

Learning Objectives: By the end of this lesson you should be able to: identify the advantages and disadvantages of using networks (including the Internet); describe what is meant by the terms user ids and passwords, stating their purpose and use;

What is a Network?

computers linked together –to share resources

What is a Network? computers linked together –to share resources linked computers are often called Workstations

What is a Network? computers linked together –to share resources linked computers are often called Workstations most networks have a server –which controls the operation of the network

What is a Network? computers linked together –to share resources linked computers are often called Workstations most networks have a server –which controls the operation of the network What do we share?

What is a Network? computers linked together –to share resources linked computers are often called Workstations most networks have a server –which controls the operation of the network What do we share? printers

What is a Network? computers linked together –to share resources linked computers are often called Workstations most networks have a server –which controls the operation of the network What do we share? printers Internet connection

What is a Network? computers linked together –to share resources linked computers are often called Workstations most networks have a server –which controls the operation of the network What do we share? printers Internet connection software

What is a Network? computers linked together –to share resources linked computers are often called Workstations most networks have a server –which controls the operation of the network What do we share? printers Internet connection software data

What types of network are there? Local Area Network –LAN –workstations are close together in the same room, building, house, school site... Wide Area Network –WAN –workstations are distant branches of a bank, the Internet

Advantages of a network

access your files from any workstation on the network.

Advantages of a network access your files from any workstation on the network. private areas on the network can be set up –allows each user to store their personal files.

Advantages of a network access your files from any workstation on the network. private areas on the network can be set up –allows each user to store their personal files. individual workstations do not need a printer, –one high quality printer can now be shared by everyone

Advantages of a network access your files from any workstation on the network. private areas on the network can be set up –allows each user to store their personal files. individual workstations do not need a printer, –one high quality printer can now be shared by everyone users can communicate with others on the network –by sending messages and sharing files.

Advantages of a network access your files from any workstation on the network. private areas on the network can be set up –allows each user to store their personal files. individual workstations do not need a printer, –one high quality printer can now be shared by everyone users can communicate with others on the network –by sending messages and sharing files. data can be shared by all users at the same time. –many people can use information at the same time. –shopping, eBay, flight booking

Disadvantages of a network

networks can be expensive to set up –cables, network hardware, server, technicians

Disadvantages of a network networks can be expensive to set up –cables, network hardware, server, technicians vulnerable to security problems –hackers could read or damage crucial information –viruses

Disadvantages of a network networks can be expensive to set up –cables, network hardware, server, technicians vulnerable to security problems –hackers could read or damage crucial information –viruses if the main server breaks down, network is useless –no-one can carry on working.

Disadvantages of a network networks can be expensive to set up –cables, network hardware, server, technicians vulnerable to security problems –hackers could read or damage crucial information –viruses if the main server breaks down, network is useless –no-one can carry on working. more users on the network = slower network speed

Network Security

networks are vulnerable to security problems –because there are many computers connected together

Network Security networks are vulnerable to security problems –because there are many computers connected together a lack of security could lead to: –theft of data –viruses

Network Security networks are vulnerable to security problems –because there are many computers connected together a lack of security could lead to: –theft of data –viruses most networks require the user to “log on” –requiring a User-ID and Password –only authorised users are allowed access

Passwords

should be kept secret at all times

Passwords should be kept secret at all times should not be something that is easy to guess –such as pet's name or favourite football team.

Passwords should be kept secret at all times should not be something that is easy to guess –such as pet's name or favourite football team. should include text and numbers

Passwords should be kept secret at all times should not be something that is easy to guess –such as pet's name or favourite football team. should include text and numbers should be a reasonable length –e.g. over 6 characters

Passwords should be kept secret at all times should not be something that is easy to guess –such as pet's name or favourite football team. should include text and numbers should be a reasonable length –e.g. over 6 characters should be changed regularly