Easy to Understand Definition of a Computer Network

By definition a network is a group or system that interconnects components together. A network of retail stores, for example, implies some sort of relationship between the stores. A railroad network suggests that the tracks interconnect at different points. And a computer network interconnects computers.

By far the most famous computer network in the world is the Internet. The Internet is, in fact, a collection of smaller networks that are interconnected together - a network of networks if you can imagine that.

But computer networks don't necessarily have to be large or complex. By definition, the smallest possible computer network would include just two interconnected computers. The interconnection can be achieved using a cable or by wireless technology. Whatever the medium, as long as the computers can communicate together they are part of a network.

Surprisingly, the Information Technology industry doesn't define networks by size, rather, by location. Computers that are interconnected in a small geographical location such as a home or an office are said to be in a LAN (Local Area Network). A LAN can have two computers or two thousand computers.

Conversely, computers that are connected across a wide geographical area such as between cities or countries are said to be in a WAN (Wide Area Network). Strictly speaking a WAN actually interconnects LANs. Five computers in a New York office are in a LAN, however, the New York office also connects to an Office in Chicago who hosts ten other computers. All together, that network is said to be a WAN spanning New York to Chicago. But individually each office is a LAN in its own right. One LAN in New York and one LAN in Chicago. This is why we say that strictly speaking a WAN interconnects LANs.

A description of how the network is wired together can be provided using a physical network topology. Network topologies are used to describe the different ways to connect computers together. A bus topology, for example, describes computers connected across a common wire in a linear fashion. A star topology describes computers connected to a common central device such as a switch. Other types of common topologies include ring topology as well as mesh and partial mesh topology.

But possibly the most important working components of a computer network are the protocols. A protocol is a set of rules. In order to communicate correctly, computers must talk the same protocol so that they understand what is being received and know how to send information in return. The IT industry has successfully established TCP/IP as the dominant network protocol across the world. The standardization of TCP/IP in computers has allowed the internet to thrive because is provides a common language that computers can use to communicate with each other.

Networking careers are sought after and rewarding. Visit us to discover IT books and world class Network Training Solutions for all levels.

Andres Villalva B.IT, AssDip(Eng), CCNP, MasterCNE is a telecommunications specialist with a passion for ethical, intelligent and successful IT career development.

Computer Network Engineering Education

Modern society is changing at the speed of light - are you watching it pass you by or are you moving forward in obtaining your computer network engineering education? If you are one of the many candidates interested in a computer network engineering education, then a vocational school may be a great start to catching up and moving with the pace of current technology. Designed to give students essential training and computer networking skills, vocational computer network engineering schools teach students how to configure, design, install and maintain network systems.

Students who are working on their computer network engineering education can anticipate comprehensive coursework in computer applications and writing, communications, and technical trouble-shooting and resolutions. Additionally, the general curriculum often incorporates desktop computing, which teaches students about basic system architecture, as well as computer hardware and software, directory structure and processes, fundamental computer terminology, user administration and web page design, linking, media, and many other relevant topics.

A good computer network engineering education enables graduates to attain a rewarding information technology career such as an entry-level network and data communication analyst, which according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics is the second-fastest growing occupation in the United States!

Successful candidates who have completed their computer network engineering education may transfer their credits to a higher education facility, such as a college or university, and go on to attaining a bachelor or doctorate degree in computer network engineering.

If you are interested in a Computer Network Engineering Education [http://www.schoolsgalore.com/categories/3/computer_network_engineering_schools.html] , apply to a vocational school or trade school, or even an online school, today!

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved

Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

Notice to Publishers Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Vocational Schools, Trade Schools, Colleges, Universities, and Online Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your educational resource to locate schools.

What Hardware Is Needed for a Computer Network?

The hardware that you will need for setting up your computer network will be the computers, the interface cards, peripherals and whatever is needed to allow data-processing as well as for communicating between the network computers.

File servers are needed. They are rather quick computers with a lot of RAM and a fast network card as well as storage. The operating system for the network is on this computer and if data files and/or software applications need to be shared they are here as well.

File servers must have a microprocessor that is at least 800 megahertz, preferably more. The hard drive will need to have storage of 120 gigabytes or more. A RAID is needed to keep data if there is a problem with the disk. A tape unit for backup which can be a Zip, JAZ, DAT or CD-RW drive is needed.

Another requirement will be several expansion slots and a network interface card (preferably a fast one). Also needed for networking at the very least 512MB of RAM. A network interface card (NIC) is going to provide the connection needed between the computers and the network. All the computers that are connected to the network are workstations.

Workstations will be the computers that have been connected to the network. The standard workstation is the computer which has been specifically arranged with the cables, the networking software and a network interface card. The computer does not require a floppy disk drive since files can be kept on the file server. Practically any computer can be a network workstation.

What else is needed for the computer network? A router is needed for translating the information to all the networks. This can be compared to a bridge. The router chooses the best way to send a message using the destination address and the origination of the address. It sends the message by routing it to keep it from colliding with other messages. The routers know the computers' addresses and the other routers on the network as well as the bridges. They even know which sections are busier than others and redirect the data until the sections are not so busy.

Repeaters are a necessity due to signals losing their strength when they are passed using a cable. The signal may need boosted and this is where a repeater comes in handy. It can transmit the signal by amplifying it and rebroadcast. The repeater can be a single unit. It can also be combined with a concentrator. This is necessary when the length of the network cable is longer than the standard for the cable used.

Providing a connection point that is central to the cables from peripherals, servers and workstations is a device called a concentrator. In computer networks often a twisted wire goes from each and every workstation to a central switch. The switches amplify the signal as it goes from one place to another. Rather than broadcasting network packets, switches or hubs as they are often called, memorise the computer's address and send the data to the right location.

So, there you have the many elements that are needed to connect a computer network. This hardware, when attached correctly will allow you to set up your network and start moving data.

Vincent Rogers is a freelance writer who writes for a number of UK businesses. For information about Networks, he recommends Prodec Networks.

Computer Networking

Brandon Douglas Bradshaw has studied IT and computer systems for many years and it have become his passion. In his studies she has discovered some very important foundational facts. Computer networks can be defined as an engineering discipline regarding the interaction between devices of computer and computer systems. Routing protocols, networking, routers and entire networking system over the internet services have their details defined in documents termed as RFCs (request for comments). Computer networking is also considered as a discipline of computer science, telecommunications, computer engineering and information technology. It deals with practical and theoretical applications of these engineering and scientific disciplines. There are three kinds of computer networks: 1. Internet 2. Intranet and 3. Extranet.

Generally a computer network is sets of various devices and computers that are associated to each other having capability to send or receive data. Here is the list of different kinds of computer networks that Brandon Douglas Bradshaw is experienced with:

* LAN (Local Area Network): this is a small network deals with local and small regional area. Like a computer network covering a building.

* MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): This is medium size network deals with a city or state.

*WAN (Wide Area Network): This is a bigger network deals with large geographic area.

* WLAN & WWAN (Wireless LANs and MANs): These networks are the equivalent of the WAN and LAN in a wireless form.

There are all kinds of computer networks that are connected to each other to let the communication be done among various Medias like copper wire cable, optical fiber, coaxial cable, micro wave system, power lines and different wireless technologies. The devices regarding computer set-ups can be operated within a few meters or unlimited distances, depending on its range.

There are many organizations such as insurance companies, railways, hospitals, banks etc that needs real time processing of huge number of transactions via many computer systems in order to interact and communicate with each other via same network. Thus the installation procedure of an entire computer group is very important as well as sensitive also.

Overall, Brandon Douglas Bradshaw had discovered that in an ideal computer network the system, software and hardware must work together seamlessly. There are many software solutions and hardware solutions companies ready to serve you if you have any trouble with your own network system. A network security system with supported services should be applied to assist the whole computer network and keep the network safe from virus and spamming.

Uses of Computer Networks

Computer Networks are everywhere. From the distributed systems to the middle ware and to the world wide web, computer networking has proved to be improving in techniques to reach remote areas and applications to serve the purpose.

Business Applications: Resource sharing is one of the most popular use of computer networks in the business applications. For Instance, a printer is shared in a network and hence saves a lot of investment in hardware. The computers connected in a network can make use of the printer in the network instead of having separate printers for every computer. Scanners, Cd burners, Fax machines are few other resources which can be shared in a network. Email facility with the help of Outlook application has enabled communication among the members of the company in sending reports and analyzing data. There would be a server handling the requests of all the computers connected in the network. Clients pass the request and the server works on the request by giving the reply.
Home Networking: Computers are now a days used just for person to person communication with the help of Internet. Internet can be used to have remote access to the information, person - person communication as discussed earlier electronic commerce, Interactive entertainments like games. Interactive entertainments such as XBOX gaming online and online tutorials which used flash for interactive environment. Now a days, people are buying a computer just for the sake of checking their email which enables person to person contact. With the help of VPN ( Virtual Private Network) one can work and access of office data right from home. In peer -peer systems there is no client system. Every computer in a network is connected to every other computer through wire.
Mobile Users: With the advent of technology in improving protocols for better communication, WAP (Wireless Access Protocol is now being increasingly used to communicate in a network. There are two forms of wireless: Fixed Wireless and Mobile Wireless. Desktop computers in an office are neither fixed nor mobile wireless. A notebook computer used in a Hotel room with the help of Ethernet cable is an example of mobile wireless and not of fixed wireless. Networks in old unwired building is an example of typical fixed wireless and not of mobile wireless. Portable office or PDA for store inventory is a perfect example for fixed as well as mobile wireless technology being used. M-commerce is using mobile device for paying cash using credit cards and act as an electronic wallet.

Computer Network Management Schools Offer Network Training

The field of computers is vast, and there are many businesses looking to hire computer technicians with formal training from computer network management schools. Aspiring network engineers can get training in network systems management, and even obtain computer science degrees from schools for computer network management.

The definition of computer networking is to connect and interface computers, printers, wireless communications devices, and other electronic devices so they will share data and information within a specific network. While this is not a complicated concept, there is much to learn at computer network management schools before you can be qualified to provide network support.

Basic training in computer network management will bring you up to speed on the various hardware, software and technology involved in computer information systems. The course will cover math, science, computer programming, information technology, and much more. You will learn to comprehend the computer sciences, and to think logically so that you can ultimately configure efficient networking systems like a pro.

There are a variety of professional certificates and computer science degrees available from the best computer network management schools in the US and Canada. You might start out by seeking a professional certificate from a vocational school or trade school that offers computer network training. Or, you might want to commit to a two-year course in computer science leading to an Associate of Science degree (AA). Later, you can move on to a college or university where you can earn a Bachelor of Science degree (BS) or a Master of Science degree (MS) with a concentration in network management. If you really want to be an expert in every aspect of managing computer networks, you will want to achieve the pinnacle of all degrees in computer sciences, the PhD.

Get in on the network managing trend today by contacting a few selected computer science schools on our website today. They will send you all the information you need to get started on a new career in network managing.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2007 - All Rights Reserved by Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. Find Computer Network Management Schools [http://www.schoolsgalore.com/categories/2/computer_network_management_schools.html], Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools, and Online Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your resource for higher education.

Computer Network Management Schools

Computer Network Management Schools teach students how to properly interface computers with users by using specialty devices. Students are taught how to facilitate and maintain computer network systems, and to apply this innovative technology and training toward the construction and maintenance of fiber optic networks, routers and servers.

Computer Network Management schools teach the basic, technical skills in network system administration, including setup and maintenance of multifaceted computer network systems, as well as computer applications and troubleshooting.

Computer Network Management schools offer certificates of completion, diplomas, and/or training certificates in a wide variety of specialty areas of network engineering and management. Many students opt to further their education by taking the skills learned at a computer network management school and applying them toward a professional degree.

After learning the essential skills in internet security and information services; UNIX; web servers and other computer network management skills, graduates are qualified to work in a broad spectrum of IT related fields. Generally, computer network management schools prepare professionals to enter the ever-expanding field of computer technology, including careers in help-desk support, computer repair, and network management.

If you would like to learn more about the exciting and promising field of Computer Network Management [http://schoolsgalore.com/categories/2/computer_network_management_schools.html], look for more in-depth information and resources on our website.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com

Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved

Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Visit our Traditional School Directory and find Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools, and Online Schools at SchoolsGalore.com; your educational resource to locate schools.

The Broad Categories of Computer Networking

For some people, the computer itself could be a scary topic, considering the fact around how complicated the machine is. Talking about computer networking could give a heart attack to such people. However, it is not as scary as it may sound.

Computer networking could be understood by separating the two words in the term. A "computer" as we know is a complex machine that helps us to process information. "Networking" refers to linking or connecting. Hence computer networking would simply mean getting two or more computers connected. When we say the word "connected" in this reference, we mean that one computer could be accessed through the other.

Broadly speaking there are two ways of connecting two or more computers. The first one is called the wired network and the other one is called the wireless network. Both of these are huge subjects to study and understand. However, in layman's language it could be said that when two or more computers are connected through wires it's called the wired network. And when they are connected without the wires through wireless router, it is known as wireless network. As the wired networks are limited to the area wherein the wire web is installed, similarly the wireless has range limitations. The number of machines that are on a network would ensure the speed of the network. More machines in a network would mean a slow network.

The various computer network systems could be - Personal Area Network; Local Area Network; Campus Area Network; Metropolitan Area Network; Wide Area Network; Global Network and most importantly internet, intranet or the extranet. The names are given to the network depending upon the arena they have. Like for example the campus area would mean the machines that are in a given physically limited campus are connected through the computer networking. This could be wired or wireless networking.

Internet could be understood as a global network system.

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E-Commerce Supporting Technologies - Computer, Computer Networking, Internet, Internet Connectivity

E-Commerce as the word suggests means doing business on the internet or on-line. The scope of business may involve:

o selling hard goods on-line such as a phone, computer or shoes

o Electronic goods such as e-books, mp3 music, software, graphics or pictures

o selling ideas or services

To sell the goods the merchant has to have a website or a virtual store on the internet for him to sell the goods on line. A prospective customer finds that site, buys goods on it, pays owner using a credit card or via other mode. Merchant receives payment and deliver the goods and supports the customer. Practically, that's e-commerce in its simplest sense.

In between those e-commerce transaction a lot technology are involve to complete the sale. For instance, the merchant has to design and build a website developed using a complex programming language called HTML. Merchant has to register a domain name to identity his business on the internet. All information and products from his on-line store or business are encoded and stored on the merchant's computer server or hosted by a third-party web hosting company. In order for the customer to find the merchant's site, he needs a computer that is in turn connected to a system popularly known as the internet, for him to be able to visit the merchant's site.

The Personal Computer in relation to E-Commerce

A PC or Personal Computer is a computing device or tool built around a microprocessor. It has lots of different parts -- memory, a hard disk, a modem, etc...That work together. It is also called general purpose equipment. General purpose means that you can do many different things with a computer. You can use it to type documents, send e-mail, browse the Web and play games.

On each own, the computer can be used to expedite the processing and storing of information such as word processing. It can also be made to transmit and receive information from other computers. These computers can talk and exchange information from each other thru a common computer language or protocol. The PC is the most valuable and core-technology needed to drive E-Commerce and Internet Business.

Computer Network in relation to E-Commerce

Two or several computers can be physically linked and made to communicate with other computers with in a local network (LAN). The term use to describe this interconnection is called networking. Networking of computers can be made using either a wired (cable) or wireless (radio) type of connection. Usually, networking or the linking of computers is subject to the range or distance limitation because the signal and quality of communication will degrade as distance increases. Computer Networking is applied for most on-line internet business for an efficient and productive E-Commerce business.

The Internet in relation to E-Commerce

The internet is a system that connects computer networks. The system of internet enables the interconnection of computers all over the world. It allows your computer to get stored information from other computers far away.

The protocol (TCP/IP) or language when computer communicate in a network is similar to the one used on the internet. That is why computers around the world understand each other despite different maker and place of manufacture.

Lots of computers all over the world are stored with lots and lots of information. The internet system hooked them together. If you have access to the Internet, you can read, hear and view all this information from your own computer. The Internet is all the reason behind the existence of E-Commerce and without internet connectivity virtual on-line business will totally cease to exist.

Telecommunication in relation to E-Commerce

A different type of technology is needed to transmit information from one computer to another over long distances. Telecommunication companies come into the picture to service the requirement of connecting one computer network to another computer network using different kinds of transmission technology.

Telecommunication is a broad term as it also covers not only data communication such as the internet but includes voice telephony as well.

Telecommunication companies are driving internet businesses to achieve internet connectivity. Without them one could never put their business on-line as only telecom companies are able to link networks over very vast geographical distances.

Connectivity in relation to E-Commerce

Connectivity is a broader term than networking. Networking refers to the physical (wired) or virtual (wireless) connection between computers. Connectivity refers to the state of being connected. For instance, a computer can be sync to a phone, music player and other devices. Internet access or the state of being connected to the internet information super-highway is a classic example of connectivity.

Internet Connectivity is important both in urban and rural-remote regions of the world.

Some regions are suffering from lack of telecommunication infrastructure thus internet access service is very limited. In order to achieve internet connectivity, remote villages either use satellite link, wireless radio systems and long-range phone extenders. Some communities have established telecentres which serve as a communication hub and outside link to the rest of the world. All forms of connectivity including internet connectivity are helping push the envelope of internet business as a whole.

So you've read about e-commerce overview and its supporting technologies. Try to imagine and picture out how e-commerce is being practice and how important are those technologies to making it possible.

The author , Allan Amps is a telecom sales & marketing employee with passion and interest for rural, remote internet connectivity solutions, wireless gadgets and internet home-based business.

He recently established a website - http://www.tech-ware-tips-startup-internet-business.com and [http://www.advanced-multi-profit-site.com] with the aim of generating income out of his interest and passion. The goal is to reach those people yearning to start their own home-based business by providing valuable tips, guides and info of the best available solutions and programs that one can go into.