What is a Network?
A network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share resources (such as printers and CD-ROMs), exchange files, or allow electronic communications. The computers on a network may be linked through cables, telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams.
Why is it important?
Networks are very important because they allow for communication as well as the sharing of files, printers, internet connections, multi-player games, videos, and just about anything else than can be downloaded and transferred to another computer.
Speed: Networks provide a very rapid method for sharing and transferring files.
Resource Sharing. Sharing resources is another area in which a network exceeds stand-alone computers. (Ex. most schools cannot afford enough laser printers, fax machines, modems, scanners, and CD-ROM players for each computer)
Electronic Mail. The presence of a network provides the hardware necessary to install an e-mail system. E-mail aids in personal and professional communication for all school personnel, and it facilitates the dissemination of general information to the entire school staff. Electronic mail on a LAN can enable students to communicate with teachers and peers at their own school. If the LAN is connected to the Internet, students can communicate with others throughout the world.
Accessibility- networks allow people to access data from different locations, and allow a group of users to work on the same type of project concurrently.
To whom it is important
Networks are important to anyone who wishes to access the internet or just communicate with another computer for any reason.
Schools and jobs that require the use of a computer
Families, and individuals that use computers at home
Who should know about it
Computer users, developers (web, video games, design), businesses (large and small), Internet users, ect. Mainly, anyone who needs to operate a computer for their occupation uses the internet (a type of network) or other networking applications. (can be local)
Source
“network" A Dictionary of the Internet. Darrel Ince. Oxford University Press, 2001. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. LaSalle University. 16 March 2009 http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&entry=t12.e2264
http://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid7_gci212644,00.html#
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_network
http://fcit.usf.edu/NETWORK/chap1/chap1.htm
Sources:
http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/wireless/f/whatiswireless.htm
http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/networking_101/what_is_a_network.asp
This network is operated as a subsidiary activity by a single organization for its own exclusive use, the typical LAN having an overall size of a few kilometers or less. Normally the organization is located on a single site, or a small number of nearby sites, and the LAN constitutes a single management and naming domain. LANs generally provide high-speed (100 Mbps to 1 Gbps) data communication services to directly connected computers. LANs make possible for everyone in your office to share a printer, with the right software, they can also share files, work on projects together, send instant messages and email simultaneously. All you need is cable. With wireless LANs, you don’t even need that.[1]
Ÿ It is a computer network that covers a large geographical area
Ÿ Usually a wide area network contains two or more local area networks
Ÿ Computers linked to a wide area network are often connected through public networks
Ÿ They can also be connected through satellites and cover national as well as international locations
Ÿ It is important for sharing ideas and possibly creating new products
Ÿ Businesses use it to share internal functions such as sales, production and development, and marketing and accounting
Ÿ Unifies a corporations entire computer network so employees can work from anywhere
Ÿ It allows for uncertainties, the loss of a company branch does not mean the loss of that information
Ÿ Large businesses should know about this because it is a great way to keep the company on one page regardless of its location
Ÿ The largest wide area network today is the internet
Ÿ http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/w/wide_area_network_WAN.htm
Ÿ http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-wide-area-network.htm
· Wi-fi is a wireless internet capability that was trademarked by the Wi-fi Alliance. The members of Wi-fi are guaranteed interoperability between each other and so that their programs are compatible with one another, even though they are different manufactures. The term Wi-Fi often is used by the public as a synonym for the more general term wireless local area network (WLAN). Wi-fi has certain standards and requirements that its members must meet and also a fee must be paid to be part of this alliance. It is very important for those in the business world and also computer science professionals because they are now able to use wireless internet. WLAN is widely available now, enabling easy access to the Internet. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WiFi
What is it? What does it mean?
A Wi-Fi Hotspots is a venue that offers internet access over a wireless LAN. It should not be confused with a Hot-zone, which is an internet-sharing wireless web area network.
Why is it important?
It is important because it gives access to internet in places where you do not need a cord and are able to access internet in certain places without a password or cables.
To whom is it important?
It is important to all people with a wireless connection because it gives them access to wireless internet whenever or wherever it is available.
Who should know about it?
Internet technicians should know about it because they need to know how to work it in case something happens, they need to be able to install, and fix any type of problems that happen. Anybody who needs to access the Internet from outside their home / office should know about hotspots.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotspot_(Wi-Fi)
Concept 10: Voice over IP
v Voice over IP (internet protocol) is a term uses for transmissions technologies that are responsible for the transfer of voice over IP networks.
v The Voice over IP is important because it helps to transfer your voice over a broadband network through a telephone.
v For one this tech is used by everyone who has a telephone hooked up to their modem on their computer. For example a phone company named Vonage commonly uses the voice over IP in their phone systems.
v Federal Communications Commission, "Voice over Internet Protocol". Wikipedia. March,19, 2009 <http://www.fcc.gov/voip/>.
Ÿ Skype is software that allows its users to make telephone calls over the internet
Ÿ Such calls to other users or numbers listed as free are of no cost while calls to landlines and mobiles phones cost money
Ÿ Additional features include instant messaging, file transfer, and video conferencing
Ÿ Allows users to receive calls on their computers dialed by regular phone subscribers
Ÿ This is important because it can eliminate the use of a phone
Ÿ It is convenient for a person working on the computer who has to make a lot of phone calls for various reasons
Ÿ This could be important for employees who spend a lot of time on their computers but are required to make a lot of phone calls
Ÿ It could be important to people in sales, yet it can also be important to those who are social and just want to stay connected
Ÿ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sype
10. Encryption
Encryption is the conversion of data into ciphertext, which is meant to be difficult for unauthorized people to understand. It is important for security reasons, as it guards against private information getting into the wrong hands. For example, credit card information is encrypted to prevent against fraud. Therefore, encryption is important anyone who uses the Internet for transactions or has personal information stored on a website. Although most people benefit from encryption, average people do not need to know much more than if a website is considered secure, especially if they are working on a wireless connection. It is very important that those who possess the personal information of others, such as businesses, have knowledge of encryption to prevent identity theft. It is also important for the military to know encryption for matters of privacy and terrorism.
Spyware: a program that is secretly installed to reveal the owner's private information. Spyware is typically installed with software like games or infected e-mail attachments. These programs are from third-parties who have altered the original programs. Some spyware is designed to steal social security numbers, passwords, credit card numbers and other private information. Other spyware may redirect users to more spyware. Spyware is also notorious for making your computer run slower since it is usually configured to run all of the time. Most antivirus software programs detect and eliminate spyware. All internet users need to be aware of possible spyware every time they use the computer. Using the internet with caution and updating antivirus software is important.
A virtual private network (VPN) is a computer network in which some of the links between nodes are carried by open connections or virtual circuits in some larger network (e.g., the Internet) as opposed to running across a single private network. The link-layer protocols of the virtual network are said to be tunneled through the larger network. One common application is secure communications through the public Internet, but a VPN need not have explicit security features, such as authentication or content encryption. VPNs, for example, can be used to separate the traffic of different user communities over an underlying network with strong security features.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_private_network
What it is and/or what it means
Network virtualization allows one run multiple virtual machines in one physical machine which allows the resources of that single computer to be shared with multiple environments. Various virtual machines can run different operating systems and applications on the same physical computer. “Network virtualization is a method of combining the available resources in a network by splitting up the available bandwidth into channels, each of which is independent from the others, and each of which can be assigned (or reassigned) to a particular server or device in real time.” Virtualization makes managing your computer easier because it is spilt up into parts instead of looking at it as a whole.
Why is it important?
Virtualization has become very popular over the years. It is a good way to save money and now about 70 percent of IT departments are encouraging and using server consolidating projects. By reducing the number of servers that support the business applications the companies save a lot of money.
To whom is it important?
Virtualization is important for IT departments and businesses. By consolidating the number of servers in their system, businesses become more effective and can respond well to a change in the demands of the business.
Who should know about it?
Developers and System Administrators should know about this. People who want to be a part of or own a business should know about virtualization to better help the business. Heads of IT organizations.
http://searchservervirtualization.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid94_gci499539,00.html
Source: (What is network virtualization?)