Networks


	Networks
	Advantages Sharing devices such as printers saves money. Site (software) licences are likely to be cheaper than buying several standalone licences. Files can easily be shared between users. Network users can communicate by email and instant messenger. Security is good - users cannot see other users' files unlike on stand-alone machines. Data is easy to backup as all the data is stored on the file server.	Disadvantages Purchasing the network cabling and file servers can be expensive. Managing a large network is complicated, requires training and a network manager usually needs to be employed. If the file server breaks down the files on the file server become inaccessible. Email might still work if it is on a separate server. The computers can still be used but are isolated. Viruses can spread to other computers throughout a computer network. There is a danger of hacking, particularly with wide area networks. Security procedures are needed to prevent such abuse, eg a firewall.
	Evaluation

Sharing devices such as printers saves money.
Site (software) licences are likely to be cheaper than buying several standalone licences.
Files can easily be shared between users.
Network users can communicate by email and instant messenger.
Security is good - users cannot see other users' files unlike on stand-alone machines.
Data is easy to backup as all the data is stored on the file server.

Purchasing the network cabling and file servers can be expensive.
Managing a large network is complicated, requires training and a network manager usually needs to be employed.
If the file server breaks down the files on the file server become inaccessible. Email might still work if it is on a separate server. The computers can still be used but are isolated.
Viruses can spread to other computers throughout a computer network.
There is a danger of hacking, particularly with wide area networks. Security procedures are needed to prevent such abuse, eg a firewall.

Get Revising