Tom's+Network+Page

-NETWORKS

__**05/09/2008**__ Today our group set up our page so that we can put everything we learn about networks on here. We created a KWL table to figure out what we alreay knew and what we wanted to find out. I didnt really learn anything new about networks this sessions as we didnt have much time to research after we had finished making this page.

Today our group worked through the 2nd task to learn more about networks. I found out what the difference between a LAN and a WAN network is. LAN is for a small area like a home, while WAN is for a large area like the internet. I also learned about the different ways networks can be set up, the network topologies.
 * __09/09/2008__**

Today our group worked through task 3 to continue learning about how networks work. I drew a diagram of a client network server for the questions I did which is right below. we watched a video about networks today also but I didnt really learn anything new.
 * __11/09/2008__**

Today our group completed the 4th task on networks. I found this the most difficult task because I had to research a lot more to answer the questions than the previous tasks. I had trouble finding the answer to one question but eventually found it. I think our group is progressing fairly well with the tasks and we should be ready to do the sac soon.
 * __12/09/2008__**

Today I went over the tasks we had completed to make sure they were all done. I found a question I had missed so I finished that off. After that our wrote on our poster about the new things we had learnt since the last time we worked on it.
 * __16/09/2008__**

Question 1 ** __ Describe a computer network that you are familiar with. Provide an illustration of the network topology. __ Our school uses a LAN network. The network topology of a LAN network is a star network. __ What are the benefits of using a computer network? __ You can share information, files, data and resources quickly and easily through a network. It is much easier to communicate via email and chat. __ What is the difference between a LAN and a WAN? Give an example of each. __ A LAN network is a network that connects computers and devices in a small area like a home, school or business or in a local area. A WAN network connects devices over a large area like a city, country or even the whole world. The internet is a good example of a WAN network. __What is the purpose of a network operating system (NOS)?__ NOS is the software that organises, controls and coordinates the activities on a LAN network. It performs tasks such as administration, file management and security for the network.
 * __Task 2 Questions__
 * Question 2**
 * Question 3**
 * Question 11**

Question 2
Cheryl Owens runs a small home-based business, producing resumes (in printed and online format). She has two computers, a colour inkjet printer, scanner and digital camera. One of the computers is connected to the Internet via a 56k modem. The configuration of each of the computers is as follows: 512MB RAM 200GB HDD 7200RPM CD ROM Speakers & Int Sound Card 17" Colour LCD Monitor 32MB TNT2 AGP Video Card 56K Internal Modem Keyboard, Mouse Attractive Midi Tower Case Windows XP Home || Intel Pent 1.6 Ghz CPU 256MB RAM 120GB Hard Disk Drive CD ROM Speakers & Int Sound Card 15" Colour Monitor Win 98 ||
 * = Computer 1 = ||  Computer 2   ||
 * Intel Pent 4 3.2 GHz CPU

The printer is attached to computer 1 and the scanner to computer 2. Cheryl would like to be able to access the Internet from both computers as well as being able to share the printer and the scanner. It has been suggested to Cheryl that she could network the two computers. a) __List the hardware Cheryl would need to network the two computers.__  She would need network cables and a router to be able to set the network up. She would also need networking software.   b)  __Can the operating systems installed on the two computers be used to implement the software side of the network?__ Maybe, depending on if the software is compatible with windows XP and 98. c) __Which strategy (client/server or peer-to-peer) would be used to connect the computers and why?__  She should use a client/server network so one computer can act as the server and connect the other to the printer and the scanner.   d)  __Draw a diagram of the proposed network. The diagram should detail the type of cable to be used. __

Question 11
Computer networks are generally classified as being one of the following: a) LAN – Local Area Network- is a network that only covers a small area like a house or a business b)  WAN – Wide Area Network- is a network that covers a lot of area, like a country or the whole world like the internet c) International Network-is a network that is used globally or between countries

Question 12
A LAN (Local Area Network) consists of five component parts: a) A network server is a server that manages the network. It is the device every other devices in connected to so that you can share resources between devices. b)  Other network (computer) hardware – including workstations and other peripheral devices- can be another computer, printer or scanner. All these devices are connected together. c) Network Interface cards- A network interface card (NIC) is a computer circuit board or [|card] that is installed in a computer so that it can be connected to a network. d)  Network transmission media- is the way computers communicate. We use sound waves while computers can communicate through cables, light, and radio waves. e) Network communications equipment- are used in the representation, transfer, interpretation and processing of data in a network.

Question 13
The following are 4 possible means of transmission of data across a network. List them in order of speed from slowest to fastest: 1.Ciasxial Cable 2.Twisted Cable Pair 3.Microwave 4.Fibre-optic Cable

Question 14
Different operating systems offer various security features. However, these can sometimes be by-passed if a computer ‘hacker’ discovers a user’s password or gains physical access to the system. List 10 different measures that can be taken to protect the physical security of a computer system.

Firewall Anti virus software Anti spy ware Passwords Don’t write down passwords Don’t connect to the internet without a firewall Don’t open unknown email Don’t open unknown programs Turn off the computer when not being used Make backups of files.

Question 15
Still further protection is available through the following: a) CMOS password- a password required to turn on the computer. b)  File permissions- different permissions on what you can do to a file. For example only being able to look at but now edit. c) Firewall- blocks anything unwanted from entering your computer, d)  Data encryption- having passwords on files before they can be opened.

Question 16
As networks are expanded, and as they age, new servers will from time to time need to be added to the system. The list below indicates the steps necessary to upgrade from an old to a new server. Re-arrange these into their correct order.

1. Obtain hardware 2. Set up new hardware 3. Install operating system 4. Install software 5. Connect to the network 6. Allocate network address 7. Close security gaps 8. Run security check 9. Ensure customers can access their data 10. Restore files from old server