A computer network is a system in which
multiple computers are connected to each other to share information and
resources.
The physical connection between networked
computing devices is established using either cable media or wireless media.
Advantages of Computer Networks:
File sharing
The major advantage of a
computer network is that is allows file sharing and remote file access. A
person sitting at one workstation that is connected to a network can easily see
files present on another workstation, provided he is authorized to do so.
Resource sharing
All computers in the
network can share resources such as printers, fax machines, modems, and
scanners.
Better connectivity and
communications
It allows users to connect
and communicate with each other easily. Various communication applications
included e-mail and groupware are used. Through e-mail, members of a network
can send message and ensure safe delivery of data to other members, even in
their absence.
Internet access
Computer networks provide
internet service over the entire network. Every single computer attached to the
network can experience the high speed internet.
Entertainment
Many games and other means
of entertainment are easily available on the internet. Furthermore, Local Area
Networks (LANs) offers and facilitates other ways of enjoyments, such as many
players are connected through LAN and play a particular game with each other
from remote location.
Inexpensive system
Shared resources mean
reduction in hardware costs. Shared files mean reduction in memory requirement,
which indirectly means reduction in file storage expenses. A particular
software can be installed only once on the server and made available across all
connected computers at once. This saves the expense of buying and installing
the same software as many times for as many users.
Flexible access
A user can log on to a
computer anywhere on the network and access his files. This offers flexibility
to the user as to where he should be during the course of his routine.
Instant and multiple
access
Computer networks are
multiply processed many of users can access the same information at the same
time. Immediate commands such as printing commands can be made with the help of
computer networks.
Disadvantages of Computer Networks:
Lack of data security and
privacy
Because there would be a
huge number of people who would be using a computer network to get and share
some of their files and resources, a certain user’s security would be always at
risk. There might even be illegal activities that would occur, which you need
to be careful about and aware of.
Presence of computer
viruses and malwares
If even one computer on a
network gets affected by a virus, there is a possible threat for the other
systems getting affected too. Viruses can spread on a network easily, because
of the interconnectivity of workstations. Moreover, multiple systems with common
resources are the perfect breeding ground for viruses that multiply.
Lack of Independence
Since most networks have a
centralized server and dependent clients, the client users lack any freedom
whatsoever. Centralized decision making can sometimes hinder how a client user
wants to use his own computer.
Lack of Robustness
As previously stated, if a
computer network’s main server breaks down, the entire system would become
useless. Also, if it has a bridging device or a central linking server that
fails, the entire network would also come to a standstill.
Need an efficient
handler
For a computer network to
work efficiently and optimally, it requires high technical skills and
know-how of its operations and administration. A person just having basic skills
cannot do this job. Take note that the responsibility to handle such a system
is high, as allotting permissions and passwords can be daunting. Similarly,
network configuration and connection is very tedious and cannot be done by an
average technician who does not have advanced knowledge.
Use(Applications) of Computer Networks:
Financial services
Nowadays, almost all the
financial services depend on the computer network. You can access the financial
services across the world. For example, a user can transfer money from one
place to another by using the electronic fund transfer feature. You can use
networking in various financial areas such as ATM, foreign exchange and credit
history search.
Business
Nowadays, most of the works
of businesses are done over the computers. To exchange the data and ideas, you
need an effective data and resources sharing features. To do this, you need to
connect the computer with each other through a network. For example, a person
of one department of an organization can share or access the electronic data of
other department through network.
Email services
A computer network provides
you the facility to send or receive mails across the globe in few seconds.
Mobile applications
By using the mobile
applications, such as cellular or wireless phones, you can communicate
(exchange your views and ideas) with one other.
Directory services
It provides you the
facility to store files on a centralized location to increase the speed of
search operation worldwide.
Teleconferencing It contains voice
conferencing and video conferencing which are based in networking. In
teleconferencing the participants need not to be presented at the same
location.
