| So what is computer networking? To the uninitiated | | | | hub. The hub then transfers the data to your father's |
| this term may sound intimidating but you may have | | | | computer. If each of the units uses the same protocol |
| already come across it or have even used it either at | | | | then the information is accepted by your dad's |
| work or at home. For those new to computer | | | | computer and he will be able to open the file you just |
| networking, simply put, a network refers to a system | | | | sent. There are two types of networks: the LAN or |
| where two or more computers are connected to | | | | local area network and the WAN or wide area |
| each other. This is done so people can share things | | | | network. The LAN is a very simple type of network |
| like information or computer hardware, like a printer for | | | | where all the units you connect are located in one |
| instance. Now there are several things you need to | | | | place. There are two types of LAN, peer to peer and |
| set up a computer network. The most basic system | | | | client server. A peer to peer network is where two or |
| consists of a protocol, NICs or network interface | | | | more computers are connected to each other directly. |
| cards, cable and a hub. A protocol is a set of rules that | | | | For example, computer 1 is connected to computer 2, |
| the computers have to follow in order for them to | | | | computer 2 is connected to computer 3 and so on. |
| "speak the same language". For example, http is a | | | | The computers are dependent on each other so if |
| protocol. If you want to be able to access a website | | | | one unit experiences problems, the others simply won't |
| from your computer that operates on http, the website | | | | be able to connect to each other. The client server |
| you are accessing must also operate on the same | | | | type is where all computers are connected to a main |
| protocol otherwise you won' be able to read the site. | | | | unit. This is more convenient because if one computer |
| NICs are cards that you put at the back or side of a | | | | has problems, the others won't be affected. You will |
| computer. This allows the computers to communicate | | | | still be able to exchange data. An example of a WAN |
| with each other. A cable is simply a wire that connects | | | | is the internet. As you can see, this is a very large type |
| the computers together and the hub is a device that | | | | of network allowing millions of users to connect with |
| controls traffic, for example, information that one | | | | each other. More and more people are looking to |
| computer sends to another. Now this is a list of items | | | | computer networking, even at home. This affords |
| for a standard network. You're going to need a | | | | people more convenience and makes day to day life |
| different set of devices if you are to go for wireless | | | | more efficient. |
| networking. How does a computer network work? | | | | Networking hardware such as Server Cabinets is |
| Let's say for instance, you want to send information | | | | available from Comm-Store.co.uk and Computer |
| from your desktop to your father's computer. The NIC | | | | Support is available directly from Dolphinpromotions.co. |
| on your PC transfers the file through the cable into the | | | | |