Features of Computer network

A list Of Computer network features is given below.

• Communication speed
• File sharing
• Back up and Roll back is easy
• Software and Hardware sharing
• Security
• Scalability
• Reliability

Communication speed

Network provides us to communicate over the network in a fast and efficient manner. For example, we can do video conferencing, email messaging, etc. over the internet. Therefore, the computer network is a great way to share our knowledge and ideas.

File sharing

File sharing is one of the major advantages of the computer network. Computer network provides us to share the files with each other.

Back up and Roll back is easy

Since the files are stored in the main server which is centrally located. Therefore, it is easy to take the back up from the main server.

Software and Hardware sharing

We can install the applications on the main server, therefore, the user can access the applications centrally. So, we do not need to install the software on every machine. Similarly, hardware can also be shared.

Security

Network allows the security by ensuring that the user has the right to access the certain files and applications.

Scalability

Scalability means that we can add the new components on the network. Network must be scalable so that we can extend the network by adding new devices. But, it decreases the speed of the connection and data of the transmission speed also decreases, this increases the chances of error occurring. This problem can be overcome by using the routing or switching devices.

Reliability

Computer network can use the alternative source for the data communication in case of any hardware failure.

Advantages of computer network

Every technology and system provides merits and demerits. Similarly, computer network also possesses several advantages and few disadvantages. Some of them are discussed below.

Resource sharing

Resource sharing is the main advantage of the computer network. The goal is to provide all the programs, data and hardware to everyone on the network without regard to the physical location of the resource and the users.

Inexpensive system

Installing networking software on the device would not cost too much, as it is assured that it lasts and can effectively share information to the peers. Also, there is no need to change the software regularly, as mostly it is not required to do so.

Powerful communication medium

Computer network helps people who live or work apart to report together. So, when one user prepared some documentation, he can make the document online enabling other to read and convey their opinions.

Increases system security

Only authorized user can access resource in a computer network. Users are authenticated by their user name and password. Hence it is not possible to access the data unauthorized persons.

Storage Capacity

Computer network is used to share information, files and resources to other people and ensures that all data and content are properly stored in the system. With the help of computer technology, we can do all of this without any problem, while having all the space we need for storage.

Disadvantages of Computer Networking

It lacks independence

Computer networking involves a process that is operated using computers, so people will be relying more of computer work, instead of exerting an effort for their tasks at hand. Aside from this, they will be dependent on the main file server, which means that, if it breaks down, the system would become useless, making users idle.

It poses security difficulties

Because there would be a huge number of people who would be using a computer network to get and share some of their files and resources, a certain user’s security would be always at risk. There might even be illegal activities that would occur, which you need to be careful about and aware of.

It lacks robustness.

As previously stated, if a computer network’s main server breaks down, the entire system would become useless. Also, if it has a bridging device or a central linking server that fails, the entire network would also come to a standstill. To deal with these problems, huge networks should have a powerful computer to serve as file server to make setting up and maintaining the network easier.

It allows for more presence of computer viruses and malware

There would be instances that stored files are corrupt due to computer viruses. Thus, network administrators should conduct regular check-ups on the system, and the stored files at the same time.

It requires an efficient handler:

For a computer network to work efficiently and optimally, it requires high technical skills and know-how of its operations and administration. A person just having basic skills cannot do this job. Similarly, network configuration and connection is very tedious and cannot be done by an average technician who does not have advanced knowledge.

It requires an expensive set-up

Though computer networks are said to be an inexpensive system when it is already running, its initial set up cost can still be high depending on the number of computers to be connected. Expensive devices, such as routers, switches, hubs, etc., can add up to the cost. Aside from these, it would also need network interface cards (NICs) for workstations in case they are not built in.

Application of computer networks

A network is a collection or set of computing devices connected to one another to establish communication and also share available resources. A network will comprise of software and hardware devices. They help us to transfer data from one point to another within the network. Computer networks plays an important roles in the all of the area of human life. They have great impact on the activities and the work do. The development of computer networks have changed the way of work we do. Some of the applications of the computer network are mentioned below:

Business Applications

Most of the business organizations have large numbers of computers to do different types of works. In earlier days these computers were stand alone, isolated from others, but at some point, management may have decided to connect these computers to correlate information about entire company.

A business organization can easily share its resources with the help of computer network and make all programs, equipment and data available to anyone on the network without regard to the physical location of the resource and the user. A group of office workers can share the single printer. Along with the hardware resources such as printer, CD, scanner most of the business organizations can share data and information. Such information may include customer records, inventories, financial statements and others. So all small to large business organization needs computer network computer network for the remote access of data and information by stakeholders. Almost every business uses computers to complete daily tasks. From making contact with clients to input data for reports, computers allow businesses a more efficient way to manage affairs when compared to traditional paper and heap of files.

Apart from sharing the hardware and information the computer network provides strong communication medium among employee and customers. Most of the business personnel use the email for their communication. Computers give businesses access to email, instant messaging and custom customer contact systems. Computerized phone systems allow for automated support during off hours and a virtual operator can quickly direct callers to the correct department for faster support.

For promoting their business several business organization are keen in using the computer network. They advertise their products as well as their company using several ads in the internet.

The uses of computer network can be listed as

• Communication
• Marketing
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Storage
• Documents and Reports
• Education
• Research
• Data mining
• Customer relation

Home Application

In earlier days the use of computer at home was just for playing games, watching videos or word processing works. But due to the development of internet technology the use of computer at home has been rapidly changed. The probable main reason for having computer at home is for Internet access. Nowadays there are several computing devices in home along with the computer such as smartphones, smart TV, printers etc. people needs to connect these devices with each other for communicating and sharing information. Computer network provides helps them to communicate with each other. A home user can use a computer network for

• Accessing the remote information: People can have access to the information on any subject either news, business, politics and many others by surfing the internet. Educational and informative websites are available to download books, tutorials etc. to improve their knowledge and learn new things.
• Person to person communication: People can communicate with friends and family on the internet using different software like Skype etc. One can interact with friends over social media websites like Facebook, Twitter. They can also share photos and videos with friends. Video calls, group chat, group call are based on computer network which are the most modern ways of communicating among people.
• Interactive entertainment: People can find entertainment on the internet using computer. They can watch movies, hear songs and download different stuff. They can also watch live matches on internet.
• Electronic commerce: E-commerce or Electronic Commerce is the process of buying or selling goods online. Due to the busy life people don’t get time to go for shopping, moreover that different online shopping sites provide varieties of goods and deliver to our doorsteps. It has make shopping easier. By sitting in the room, using their computer network people can buy their needed goods.

Mobile Application

Mobile application is one of the growing concerns of the computer network. People are mostly using the mobile devices such as tablet, smart phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), notebooks for computing. Many of these people have desktop or laptop computer in their home still using these mobile devices because these devices are easier to use and can be carried with ease with the feature of wireless connection.