Networks

• A network consists of a number of computer systems connected together.
• Advantages to a network

  • Share hardware
  • Share software
  • Share data/files
  • Can access data from any computer
• Disadvantages to a network

  • A network manager may need to be employed – expensive
  • Security problems – files sent between computers could spread a virus
  • Hackers can gain access to data more easily
• What is a local area network (LAN)

  A LAN is a network in which the computer systems are all located relatively close to each other. Used in a school
• What is a wide area network (WAN)

  A WAN is a network in which the computer systems are all located relatively far from each other. Example is the internet