Scribd
Upload
10 views

Computer Network

Computer Network

Uploaded by

Colegio de San Pascual Baylon
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
10 views

Computer Network

Computer Network

Uploaded by

Colegio de San Pascual Baylon
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 6

A computer network is a system in which multiple computers are connected to each other to share

information and resources.

Characteristics of a Computer Network


• Share resources from one computer to another.
• Create files and store them in one computer, access those files from the other computer(s)
connected over the network.
• Connect a printer, scanner, or a fax machine to one computer within the network and let other
computers of the network use the machines available over the network.
Following is the list of hardware's required to set up a computer network.
• Network Cables
• Distributors
• Routers
• Internal Network Cards
• External Network Cards
Network Cables
Network cables are used to connect computers. The most commonly used cable is Category 5 cable RJ-
45.

Distributors
A computer can be connected to another one via a serial port but if we need to connect many computers
to produce a network, this serial connection will not work.
The solution is to use a central body to which other computers, printers, scanners, etc. can be connected
and then this body will manage or distribute network traffic.
Router
A router is a type of device which acts as the central point among computers and other devices that are a
part of the network. It is equipped with holes called ports. Computers and other devices are connected to
a router using network cables. Now-a-days router comes in wireless modes using which computers can
be connected without any physical cable.

Network Card
Network card is a necessary component of a computer without which a computer cannot be connected
over a network. It is also known as the network adapter or Network Interface Card (NIC). Most branded
computers have network card pre-installed. Network cards are of two types: Internal and External
Network Cards.
Internal Network Cards
Motherboard has a slot for internal network card where it is to be inserted. Internal network cards are of
two types in which the first type uses Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) connection, while the
second type uses Industry Standard Architecture (ISA). Network cables are required to provide network
access.

External Network Cards


External network cards are of two types: Wireless and USB based. Wireless network card needs to be
inserted into the motherboard, however no network cable is required to connect to the network.

Universal Serial Bus (USB)


USB card is easy to use and connects via USB port. Computers automatically detect USB card and can
install the drivers required to support the USB network card automatically.
The Operating System is a program with the following features −
• An operating system is a program that acts as an interface between the software and the
computer hardware.
• It is an integrated set of specialized programs used to manage overall resources and operations
of the computer.
• It is a specialized software that controls and monitors the execution of all other programs that
reside in the computer, including application programs and other system software.

Objectives of Operating System


The objectives of the operating system are −
• To make the computer system convenient to use in an efficient manner.
• To hide the details of the hardware resources from the users.
• To provide users a convenient interface to use the computer system.
• To act as an intermediary between the hardware and its users, making it easier for the users to
access and use other resources.
• To manage the resources of a computer system.
• To keep track of who is using which resource, granting resource requests, and mediating
conflicting requests from different programs and users.
• To provide efficient and fair sharing of resources among users and programs.
Characteristics of Operating System
Here is a list of some of the most prominent characteristic features of Operating Systems −
• Memory Management − Keeps track of the primary memory, i.e. what part of it is in use by
whom, what part is not in use, etc. and allocates the memory when a process or program
requests it.
• Processor Management − Allocates the processor (CPU) to a process and deallocates the
processor when it is no longer required.
• Device Management − Keeps track of all the devices. This is also called I/O controller that
decides which process gets the device, when, and for how much time.
• File Management − Allocates and de-allocates the resources and decides who gets the
resources.
• Security − Prevents unauthorized access to programs and data by means of passwords and
other similar techniques.
• Job Accounting − Keeps track of time and resources used by various jobs and/or users.
• Control Over System Performance − Records delays between the request for a service and
from the system.
• Interaction with the Operators − Interaction may take place via the console of the computer in
the form of instructions. The Operating System acknowledges the same, does the corresponding
action, and informs the operation by a display screen.
• Error-detecting Aids − Production of dumps, traces, error messages, and other debugging and
error-detecting methods.
• Coordination Between Other Software and Users − Coordination and assignment of
compilers, interpreters, assemblers, and other software to the various users of the computer
systems.
Internet
It is a worldwide/global system of interconnected computer networks. It uses the standard Internet
Protocol (TCP/IP). Every computer in Internet is identified by a unique IP address. IP Address is a unique
set of numbers (such as 110.22.33.114) which identifies a computer’s location.
A special computer DNS (Domain Name Server) is used to provide a name to the IP Address so that the
user can locate a computer by a name.
Internet is accessible to every user all over the world.
Intranet
Intranet is the system in which multiple PCs are connected to each other. PCs in intranet are not available
to the world outside the intranet. Usually each organization has its own Intranet network and
members/employees of that organization can access the computers in their intranet.

Each computer in Intranet is also identified by an IP Address which is unique among the computers in
that Intranet.
Similarities between Internet and Intranet
• Intranet uses the internet protocols such as TCP/IP and FTP.
• Intranet sites are accessible via the web browser in a similar way as websites in the internet.
However, only members of Intranet network can access intranet hosted sites.
• In Intranet, own instant messengers can be used as similar to yahoo messenger/gtalk over the
internet.
Differences between Internet and Intranet
• Internet is general to PCs all over the world whereas Intranet is specific to few PCs.
• Internet provides a wider and better access to websites to a large population, whereas Intranet is
restricted.
• Internet is not as safe as Intranet. Intranet can be safely privatized as per the need.

You might also like