Networks

The advantages and disadvantages of networks.

?

Networks

Advantages

  • People can share peripherals
  • You don't have to log on to the same computer each time using a network
  • You can create your own home network
  • 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

I think that networks are overall an advantage to us, because it provides us with a much easier way of connecting to the internet in a household. without a network, individual connection would need to be payed for for each device, which would work out costing a lot more than it would to pay for a whole household to use the same connection.

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar ICT resources:

See all ICT resources »See all Networks resources »