1. What is a Network

 

A network is a series of computers linked together so that they can send and receive data. We use networks for all sorts of things such as sending e-mails, sharing and downloading files, shopping and doing our banking.

 

There are two types of networks.

 

1. Local Area Networks (LAN)

Local area networks (LAN's) operate just in one area, such as an office block, a factory, a school or a bank. Some people even have a small LAN at home.

Most schools, factories, universities and businesses have their own LAN. The advantages of LAN's are:-

• Users can share peripheral devices such as printers, hard drives and web cameras.
• Users can share data files such as database files, standard letters and multimedia presentations.
• Make it easy to communicate with others.

 

 

 

2. Wide Area Network (WAN)

Wide Area Networks (WAN's) connect computers over large distances, for example across towns, between cities like Aberdeen to London, or even between countries using telecommunications links.

The advantages of WAN's are:-

• People can communicate instantly world wide. They can be used to:-
  • send e-mail.
  • send data files
  • carry out financial transactions.
  • access information
  • carry out research
• Allow people to work from home and remain in contact with the central office.
• WAN's are central to the success of large businesses.

 

 

What you have to do!

Answer the following questions under a heading "Networks" either in your "Brain" or a new Word document.

1. Write a list of four businesses or organisations that use a LAN.
2. Your teacher wants every member of your class to get a copy of a word processing document and correct the spelling mistakes, How could a LAN help?
3. You decide to get involved in producing a newsletter for your year group and need some help in putting it together. How could the LAN help you get other people interested?
4. List the advantages of using a LAN.

 

What you should be able to do!

1. Describe the difference between "Stand Alone" computers and Networked Computers

2. Explain the advantages of Networks

3. Describe the difference between LAN and WAN networks

 

Continue to 2. Linking Computers