Computer to Computer: Networks

Data Encryption

When sending data over a communications channel, there is always the possibility that someone will see your data that you didn't mean to. If your data is of a sensitive nature, like your credit card number, or if it is secret, like the formula for Coca-Cola, you'd probably like to keep strangers from reading it.

A data encryption program encodes your data, just like spies do. So to read it, a person would need the right decoding program and the right password or file to give that program so it would know what to do exactly.

A network is a set of computers which are linked together on a permanent basis. This can mean two computers cabled together on the same desk, or thousands of computers across the world. The connections can be cables or wireless.

Network made up of a server, connected desktop computers,
a shared network printer, a laptop connected wirelessly

Advantages:

Enables users to share hardwarelike scanners and printers. This reduces costs by reducing the number of hardware items bought. Can share access to the Internet. Allows users access to data stored on others' computers. This keeps everyone up-to-date on the latest data, since it's all in the same file, rather than having to make copies of the files, which are immediately out-of-date. Can even let users run programs that are not installed on their own computers but are installed elsewhere in the network. This reduces the effort for networks administrators to keep programs configured correctly and saves a lot of storage space.

Disadvantages:

Accessing anything across a network is slower than accessing your own computer. More complexity adds new problems to handle. Less customization is possible for shared programs and folders. Everyone will have to follow the same conventions for storing and naming files so others can find the right files. Sharing is hard for some folks!

Дата добавления: 2014-12-23