Computer Network

A computer network is a system that connects many independent computers to

share information (data) and resources. The integration of computers and other
different devices allows users to communicate more easily. A computer network is
a collection of two or more computer systems that are linked together. A network
connection can be established using either cable or wireless media. Hardware and
software are used to connect computers and tools in any network.

Uses of Computer Networks

 Communicating using email, video, instant messaging, etc.
 Sharing devices such as printers, scanners, etc.
 Sharing files.
 Sharing software and operating programs on remote systems.
 Allowing network users to easily access and maintain information.

Types of Computer Networks

There are mainly five types of Computer Networks

1. Personal Area Network (PAN)

2. Local Area Network (LAN)
3. Campus Area Network (CAN)
4. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
5. Wide Area Network (WAN)

Types of Computer Networks

1. Personal Area Network (PAN)
PAN is the most basic type of computer network. It is a type of network designed to
connect devices within a short range, typically around one person. It allows your
personal devices, like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearables, to
communicate and share data with each other. PAN offers a network range of 1 to
100 meters from person to device providing communication. Its transmission speed
is very high with very easy maintenance and very low cost. This
uses Bluetooth, IrDA, and Zigbee as technology. Examples of PAN are USB,
computer, phone, tablet, printer, PDA, etc.

Personal Area Network (PAN)

Types of PAN
 Wireless Personal Area Networks: Wireless Personal Area Networks are created
by simply utilising wireless technologies such as WiFi and Bluetooth. It is a low-
range network.
 Wired Personal Area Network: A wired personal area network is constructed
using a USB.

Advantages of PAN
 PAN is relatively flexible and provides high efficiency for short network ranges.
 It needs easy setup and relatively low cost.
 It does not require frequent installations and maintenance
 It is easy and portable.
 Needs fewer technical skills to use.
Disadvantages of PAN
 Low network coverage area/range.
 Limited to relatively low data rates.
 Devices are not compatible with each other.
 Inbuilt WPAN devices are a little bit costly.

Applications of PAN
 Home and Offices
 Organizations and the Business sector
 Medical and Hospital
 School and College Education
 Military and Defense

2. Local Area Network (LAN)

LAN is the most frequently used network. A LAN is a computer network that
connects computers through a common communication path, contained within a
limited area, that is, locally. A LAN encompasses two or more computers connected
over a server. The two important technologies involved in this network
are Ethernet and Wi-fi. It ranges up to 2km & transmission speed is very high with
easy maintenance and low cost. Examples of LAN are networking in a home, school,
library, laboratory, college, office, etc.

Local Area Network (LAN)

Advantages of a LAN
 Privacy: LAN is a private network, thus no outside regulatory body controls it,
giving it a privacy.
 High Speed: LAN offers a much higher speed(around 100 mbps) and data
transfer rate comparatively to WAN.
 Supports different transmission mediums: LAN support a variety of
communications transmission medium such as an Ethernet cable (thin cable,
thick cable, and twisted pair), fiber and wireless transmission.
 Inexpensive and Simple: A LAN usually has low cost, installation, expansion and
maintenance and LAN installation is relatively easy to use, good scalability.

Disadvantages of LAN
 The initial setup costs of installing Local Area Networks is high because there is
special software required to make a server.
 Communication devices like an ethernet cable, switches, hubs, routers, cables
are costly.
 LAN administrator can see and check personal data files as well
as Internet history of each and every LAN user. Hence, the privacy of the users
are violated
 LANs are restricted in size and cover only a limited area
 Since all the data is stored in a single server computer, if it can be accessed by
an unauthorized user, can cause a serious data security threat.

3. Campus Area Network (CAN)

CAN is bigger than a LAN but smaller than a MAN. This is a type of computer
network that is usually used in places like a school or colleges. This network covers
a limited geographical area that is, it spreads across several buildings within the
campus. CAN mainly use Ethernet technology with a range from 1km to 5km. Its
transmission speed is very high with a moderate maintenance cost and moderate
cost. Examples of CAN are networks that cover schools, colleges, buildings, etc.
 Campus Area Network (CAN)

Advantages of CAN

 Speed: Communication within a CAN takes place over Local Area Network (LAN)
so data transfer rate between systems is little bit fast than Internet.
 Security: Network administrators of campus take care of network by continuous
monitoring, tracking and limiting access. To protect network from unauthorized
access firewall is placed between network and internet.
 Cost effective: With a little effort and maintenance, network works well by
providing fast data transfer rate with multi-departmental network access. It can
be enabled wirelessly, where wiring and cabling costs can be managed. So to
work with in a campus using CAN is cost-effective in view of performance


4. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A MAN is larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN. This is the type of computer
network that connects computers over a geographical distance through a shared
communication path over a city, town, or metropolitan area. This network mainly
uses FDDI, CDDI, and ATM as the technology with a range from 5km to 50km. Its
transmission speed is average. It is difficult to maintain and it comes with a high
cost. Examples of MAN are networking in towns, cities, a single large city, a large
area within multiple buildings, etc.
 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Advantages of MAN
 MAN offers high-speed connectivity in which the speed ranges from 10-100
Mbps.
 The security level in MAN is high and strict as compared to WAN.
 It support to transmit data in both directions concurrently because of dual bus
architecture.
 MAN can serve multiple users at a time with the same high-speed internet to all
the users.
 MAN allows for centralized management and control of the network, making it
easier to monitor and manage network resources and security.
Disadvantages of MAN
 The architecture of MAN is quite complicated hence, it is hard to design and
maintain.
 This network is highly expensive because it required the high cost to set up fiber
optics.
 It provides less fault tolerance.
 The Data transfer rate in MAN is low when compare to LANs.

5. Wide Area Network (WAN)

WAN is a type of computer network that connects computers over a large
geographical distance through a shared communication path. It is not restrained to
a single location but extends over many locations. WAN can also be defined as a
group of local area networks that communicate with each other with a range above
50km. Here we use Leased-Line & Dial-up technology. Its transmission speed is very
low and it comes with very high maintenance and very high cost. The most
common example of WAN is the Internet.
 Wide Area Network (WAN)

Advantages of WAN

 It covers large geographical area which enhances the reach of organisation to

transmit data quickly and cheaply.
 The data can be stored in centralised manner because of remote access to data
provided by WAN.
 The travel charges that are needed to cover the geographical area of work can
be minimised.
 WAN enables a user or organisation to connect with the world very easily and
allows to exchange data and do business at global level.

Disadvantages of WAN
 Traffic congestion in Wide Area Network is very high.
 The fault tolerance ability of WAN is very less.
 Noise and error are present in large amount due to multiple connection point.
 The data transfer rate is slow in comparison to LAN because of large distances
and high number of connected system within the network.
Comparison between Different Computer Networks
Paramet PAN LAN CAN MAN WAN
ers

Personal Campus Metropolita

Full Local Area Wide Area
Area Area n Area
Name Network Network
Network Network Network

Technolo Bluetooth, Ethernet & FDDI, CDDi. Leased Line,

Ethernet
gy IrDA,Zigbee Wifi ATM Dial-Up

Range 1-100 m Upto 2km 1 – 5 km 5-50 km Above 50 km

Transmis
sion Very High Very High High Average Low
Speed

Ownersh Private or Private or

Private Private Private
ip Public Public

Mainten
Very Easy Easy Moderate Difficult Very Difficult
ance

Cost Very Low Low Moderate High Very High

Conclusion

 The internet, WWW, and web browsers have revolutionized the way we communicate, access information,
and conduct business.
 The internet has made it possible for us to connect with people all over the world, share information
instantly, and access a vast range of resources.
The internet is a powerful tool that has changed the world in many ways. It has made it possible for us to connect with
people all over the world, share information instantly, and access a vast range of resources. The World Wide Web
and web browsers have made the internet much more user-friendly and accessible to everyone. The internet is a
constantly evolving technology, and it is sure to continue to play an important role in our lives for many years to
come.
 Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcut Action

Windows key Open or close Start Menu.

Windows key + A Open Action centre.

Windows key + C Open Cortana in listening mode.

Windows key + D Display and hide the desktop.

Windows key + E Open File Explorer.

Windows key + G Open Game bar when a game is open.

Windows key + H Open the Share charm.

Windows key + I Open Settings.

Windows key + K Open the Connect quick action.

Windows key + L Lock your PC or switch accounts.

Windows key + M Minimize all windows.

Windows key + R Open Run dialog box.

Windows key + S Open Search.

Windows key + U Open Ease of Access Center.

Windows key + X Open Quick Link menu.

Open the app pinned to the taskbar in the position

Windows key + Number
indicated by the number.

Windows key + Left arrow key Snap app windows left.

Windows key + Right arrow key Snap app windows right.

Windows key + Up arrow key Maximize app windows.

Windows key + Down arrow key Minimize app windows.

Windows key + Comma Temporarily peek at the desktop.

Windows key + Ctrl +D Add a virtual desktop.

Windows key + Ctrl + Left or

Switch between virtual desktops.
Right arrow

Windows key + Ctrl + F4 Close current virtual desktop.

Windows key + Enter Open Narrator.

 Minimize all but the active desktop window (restores all
Windows key + Home
windows on second stroke).

Keyboard shortcut Action

Windows key + PrtScn Capture a screenshot and save in Screenshots folder.

Windows key + Shift + Up Stretch the desktop window to the top and bottom of the screen.
arrow
Windows key + Tab Open Task view.

Windows key + "+" key Zoom in using the magnifier.

Windows key + "-" key Zoom out using the magnifier.

Ctrl + Shift + Esc Open Task Manager.

Alt + Tab Switch between open apps.

Alt + Left arrow key Go back.

Alt + Right arrow key Go foward.

Alt + Page Up Move up one screen.

Alt + Page down Move down one screen.

Ctrl + Alt +Tab View open apps

Ctrl + C Copy selected items to clipboard.

Ctrl + X Cut selected items.

Ctrl + V Paste content from clipboard.

Ctrl + A Select all content.

Ctrl + Z Undo an action.

Ctrl + Y Redo an action.

Ctrl + D Delete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin.
Ctrl + Esc Open the Start Menu.

Ctrl + Shift Switch the keyboard layout.

Ctrl + Shift + Esc Open Task Manager.

Ctrl + F4 Close the active window.

 Shortcut Description
Ctrl+0 Toggles 6pts of spacing before a paragraph.

Ctrl+A Select all contents of the page.

Ctrl+B Bold highlighted selection.

Ctrl+C Copy selected text.

Ctrl+D Open the font preferences window.

Ctrl+E Aligns the line or selected text to the center of the screen.

Ctrl+F Open find box.

Ctrl+I Italic highlighted selection.

Ctrl+J Aligns the selected text or line to justify the screen.

Ctrl+K Insert a hyperlink.

Ctrl+L Aligns the line or selected text to the left of the screen.

Ctrl+M Indent the paragraph.

Ctrl+N Opens new, blank document window.

Ctrl+O Opens the dialog box or page for selecting a file to open.

Ctrl+P Open the print window.

Ctrl+R Aligns the line or selected text to the right of the screen.
Ctrl+S Save the open document. Just like Shift+F12.

Alt, F, A Save the document under a different file name.

Ctrl+T Create a hanging indent.

Ctrl+U Underline the selected text.

Ctrl+V Paste.

Ctrl+W Close the currently open document.

Ctrl+X Cut selected text.

Ctrl+Y Redo the last action performed.

Ctrl+Z Undo last action.

Ctrl+Shift+L Quickly create a bullet point.

Ctrl+Shift+F Change the font.

Ctrl+Shift+> Increase selected font +1pts up to 12pt and then increase font +2pts.

Ctrl+] Increase selected font +1pts.

Ctrl+Shift+< Decrease selected font -1pts if 12pt or lower; if above 12, decreases font by
+2pt.

Ctrl+[ Decrease selected font -1pts.

Ctrl+/+c Insert a cent sign (¢).

Ctrl+'+<char> Insert a character with an accent (grave) mark, where <char> is the character
you want. For example, if you wanted an accented è you would use Ctrl+'+eas
your shortcut key. To

reverse the accent mark use the opposite accent mark, often on the tilde key.

Ctrl+Shift+* View or hide non printing characters.

Ctrl+<left arrow> Moves one word to the left.

Ctrl+<right Moves one word to the right.

arrow>

Ctrl+<up arrow> Moves to the beginning of the line or paragraph.

Ctrl+<down Moves to the end of the paragraph.

arrow>

Ctrl+Del Deletes word to right of cursor.

Ctrl+Backspace Deletes word to left of cursor.

Ctrl+End Moves the cursor to the end of the document.

Shortcut Description
Ctrl+0 Toggles 6pts of spacing before a paragraph.

Ctrl+A Select all contents of the page.

Ctrl+B Bold highlighted selection.

Ctrl+C Copy selected text.

Ctrl+D Open the font preferences window.

Ctrl+E Aligns the line or selected text to the center of the screen.

Ctrl+F Open find box.

Ctrl+I Italic highlighted selection.

Ctrl+J Aligns the selected text or line to justify the screen.

Ctrl+K Insert a hyperlink.

Ctrl+L Aligns the line or selected text to the left of the screen.

Ctrl+M Indent the paragraph.

Ctrl+N Opens new, blank document window.

Ctrl+O Opens the dialog box or page for selecting a file to open.

Ctrl+P Open the print window.

Ctrl+R Aligns the line or selected text to the right of the screen.

Ctrl+S Save the open document. Just like Shift+F12.

Alt, F, A Save the document under a different file name.

Ctrl+T Create a hanging indent.

Ctrl+U Underline the selected text.

Ctrl+V Paste.

Ctrl+W Close the currently open document.

Ctrl+X Cut selected text.

Ctrl+Y Redo the last action performed.

Ctrl+Z Undo last action.

Ctrl+Shift+L Quickly create a bullet point.

Ctrl+Shift+F Change the font.

Ctrl+Shift+> Increase selected font +1pts up to 12pt and then increase font +2pts.

Ctrl+] Increase selected font +1pts.

Ctrl+Shift+< Decrease selected font -1pts if 12pt or lower; if above 12, decreases font by
+2pt.

Ctrl+[ Decrease selected font -1pts.

Ctrl+/+c Insert a cent sign (¢).

Ctrl+'+<char> Insert a character with an accent (grave) mark, where <char> is the character
you want. For example, if you wanted an accented è you would use Ctrl+'+eas
your shortcut key. To

reverse the accent mark use the opposite accent mark, often on the tilde key.

Ctrl+Shift+* View or hide non printing characters.

Ctrl+<left arrow> Moves one word to the left.

Ctrl+<right Moves one word to the right.
arrow>

Ctrl+<up arrow> Moves to the beginning of the line or paragraph.

Ctrl+<down Moves to the end of the paragraph.

arrow>

Ctrl+Del Deletes word to right of cursor.

Ctrl+Backspace Deletes word to left of cursor.

Ctrl+End Moves the cursor to the end of the document.