Network & Internet

• A Network consists of 2 or more computing devices, connected through some sort of media for the purpose of sharing information.
• Advantages of Networks include fast communication; sharing of hardware and sharing of files.
• A Server is a powerful computer that is connected to a network and is responsible for providing services to other computers on the network.
• Another advantage of a network is the centralisation of data. This means that the data is stored in one place and can be accessed by all users.
• Another advantage of a Network is increased Control and Security
• Disadvantages of a network include, people have to learn how to protect their privacy; it is expensive to setup; info can be leaked and you need a competent person to maintain the network.
• A Personal Area Network is organised around an individual and is used to connect devices such as mobile phones, laptops and tablets.
• The main purpose of a PAN is to automate connections between mobile devices.
• A Home Area Network(HAN) is a small network within a home environment that connects devices such as computers, printers etc.
• Setting up a network requires hardware items such as a Switch, Router and cables.
• An Internet Service Provider(ISP) is a company that has a permanent connection to the Internet and provides access to the Internet to other users. Examples include Vodacom, MWEB and Axxess.
• Fiber to the Home(FTTH) is the rolling out of fibre optic cable to the home.
• A 3G or 4G Dongle is a small USB device that allows one to access the Internet.
• The Internet is a large worldwide network consisting of computers and networks that are linked using communication media.
• WWW is a service that runs on the Internet
• Every web page has a Unique address called a Uniform Resource Locator(URL).
• An IP Address is a numerical address that uniquely identifies any computer or device on a network.
• Informational Websites are websites that provide information to the public
• A Wiki is a website that allows for collaboration and editing of content by multiple users. These include company intranets and community websites.
• A Content Aggregator is a website or application that gathers different web content from many different online sources.
• A Web Browser is a Software Application that allows you to access and explore the World Wide Web.
• A search engine is a program that is used to search for documents located on the web by using keywords and phrases entered by the user.
• Web-based email can be accessed using a web browser at any place that has Internet Access.
• ISP-based email is normally set up on a local computer or device.
• Weblogs are websites that are updated regularly with news and events.
• A blog reads like a journal with the most recent entry at the top.
• A Blog is an Online Diary
• Netiquette = Internet + Etiquette
• Netiquette is the use of good manners and showing respect for other users when using the Internet.
• Cyber-slacking refers to the trend where employees or students spend too much time on the Internet.
• A Computer Virus is software that is written to disrupt the normal functioning of a computer. It is usually loaded onto a computer without the knowledge or consent of the owner.
• Malware = Malicious + Software
• The term Malware is used to describe any software that is written with negative intentions.
• Adware is Software that causes advertisements to keep popping up while you are surfing the Internet
• Anti-virus Software is software that scans computer files for viruses and tries to eliminate them.
• A Computer Worm is malware that distributes itself over a network without a person having run an infected program.
• A Trojan is a destructive program disguised as a useful application.
• Worms can also reproduce so many times that they take up your entire computer's available memory or free hard drive space.
• Spam is the electronic equivalent of "junk mail". The main problem is that it takes time to sort out and delete the unwanted emails.
• An internet hoax is a message or article intended to deceive or defraud others.