Brief introduction to Computer Network

WHAT IS A COMPUTER NETWORK?

The computer system that connects two or more computers is called a computer network.

When a computer network is built, the resources of the computers can be commonly used. In building such a computer network, various communication devices and techniques are used to connect computers and other devices.

ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER NETWORK

Speed

Sharing and transferring files within networks is very rapid, depending on the type of network. This will save time while maintaining the integrity of files. It is very easy to communicate through a network. People can communicate efficiently using a network with a group of people. They can enjoy the benefit of emails, instant messaging, telephony, video conferencing, chat rooms, etc.

Costs

The high cost for computers programmes and devices can be easily reduced when a computer network is built. The reason for this high cost is that the computer software has to be bought separately for each computer when the computers are used separately. In computer network, purchasing the relevant version of computer software, which are designed for computer networks, and installing it only in one central computer from where it can be accessed by the other computers in the network can reduce cost. There is no need spend any money if we use Free and Open source software (FOSS).

Security

Sensitive files and programs on a network can be password protected. Then the authorized users can only access those files. This is another important advantage of networking when there are concerns about security issues. Also each and every user has their own set of privileges to prevent them accessing restricted files and programs.

Ease in Centralized software management

This is one of the major advantages of networking computers. People can find and share information and data because of networking. This is beneficial for large organizations to maintain their data in an organized manner and facilitate access for desired people.

Sharing of Resources

Users can share software within the network easily. Networkable versions of software are available at considerable savings compared to individually licensed version of the same software. Therefore large companies can reduce the cost of buying software by networking their computers.

Another important advantage of networking is the ability to share hardware. For an example, a printer can be shared among the users in a network so that there’s no need to have individual printers for each and every computer in the company. This will significantly reduce the cost of purchasing hardware.

DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER NETWORKS

Networks (e.g. Star), breakdown of the main computer can adversely affect the process of the entire computer system.

*Communication of Date and information can be disturbed due to the errors of the network system.

* There is a possibility to lose resources due to the errors of the network system.

*Outsiders may access the network and rob data and information there.

*The efficiency of the system may go down due to bottlenecks in the network.

* Sometimes the user may not be able to access the required resources easily (E.g.: a shared printer being used by many at the same time).

* Controlling the network is not an easy task. It demands special computer software and specially trained officers.

Brief introduction to Information Technology and its uses

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

When man passed each age from the Stone Age, he has had an increasing urge to get more information. Likewise he wanted information to take decisions, to plan, to predict and to perform many other activities.

From the Stone Age, man created tools for fulfilling his day-to-day need. For that he used appropriate technology.in the information age, man wanted to have technology for various purposes such as creating, managing, communicating and using information.

Information and communication technology (ICT) can be defined as a technology that was created to fulfil all the above needs.

Use of Information and Communication Technology in Various sectors

At present computer is a common device that can be seen everywhere. Since computer related information and communication technology has become an essential part of man's day-to-day life, let us examine how information and communication technology can be used for daily activities.

EDUCATION SECTOR

Today, computer has become one of the most important equipment used in the field of education.one special feature here is the ability to use the educational programs repetitively in the classroom.

It should be mentioned that nowadays most of the subjects taught from primary to secondary education are computerized and in particular such lessons are made using multimedia technology.

The traditional learning process that operated in a classroom between teacher and pupils has of late developed up to the distance education mode. Under this system the teacher stayed in one place and provided his notes and instructions and the pupils learnt the lessons required staying in a place convenient to them. There was no need for the teacher to meet the pupils. Very often distance education took place via the post or telephone. With the development of information technology distance education has become very popular. Although only a few pupils can be served in the classroom, it has to be mentioned that a large number of student can learn at once through e-education, which is imparted using multimedia technology.

HEALTH SECTOR

Health sector is another field where computers are widely used.

 Various kinds of analytical machines such as CT scanners, MRI scanners, ECG, EEG machines that are used today for special tests have become indispensable in hospitals. Computers are used to operate such equipment. We can diagnose diseases accurately and effectively using computer based accessories and the health sector can provide a more qualitative and effective service using such machinery. The role of computer in the health sector is extended today not only for e channelling the specialist doctors but also to carryout remote surgeries.

BANK AND FINANCIAL SECTOR

Computer and communication technology are widely used today in the financial sector too. Especially as banks and financial institutions are connected to their main branch through computer networks, it is now possible to carry out one's financial activities successfully from any branch.as various bank services are accessible to one another through automatic teller machines (ATMs) a customer of any bank can get his work done easily through teller machines.

Further, banks have provided various facilities for their customers to carry out their banking activities without going to bank or their particular branch. ”Telebanking’’ and ''phone banking'' services can be used as examples for that.as a result, now we can transfer money among our own accounts or to others account and many other services such as the payment of bills on selected services can be performed from home through the computer.

Now it is even possible to do transactions with international financial institutions through the Internet facility.

COMMUNICATION SECTOR

Computer technology and communication technology are inter-related technologies. Internet has reduced distance countries and nationalities through the concept of 'Global Village’. Further, the mobile phone has become a common equipment tody used by everyone so we can contact anyone easily.

Computers are widely used in mass media institutions such as radio and television. The computer is an indispensable instrument in printing industry. The books and newspapers, which were completed in a few weeks in the recent past, can now be completed within few days. The computer has become a popular component for creating most of the radio and television programmes today.

TRANSPORTATION SECTOR

Institution such as Department of Immigration and Emigration, Department of Registration of Motor Vehicles, Department for Issuing of Driving Licenses has resorted to the use of computers for their activities now.

At present computers has become essential equipment in air travel activities. Today, computers are used widely for air traffic control, electronic ticketing and reservations of seats etc.

CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

Computers have enabled use to construct strong buildings with better looks. Computers are used from the stage of designing the structure of the buildings till we get the final outlook.

Production of environment friendly building construction materials using computers is common today. Completion of construction with a low cost is another benefit we can have by using the computers in this sector.

Further, computers are used for town planning as well. Today, use of computers has made it easy to design well planned, environment friendly cities.

SECURITY AND DEFENCE SECTOR

The rate of the usage of information communication technology is high in the field of defence. Computers are used today to perform very complex and risky task such as the handling of missiles and handling of nuclear of power stations.

It is impossible even to think of an environment without computers where gathering and analysing of intelligence information could place.