CAT

Network:
What we learned...
What is a network?
- A network is a connection of computers
- We use a network to share communications such as printers, scanners etc.
What types do we get?
LAN
WAN – inter offices
What do we need to set up a network?
- Share hardware and software
- PC must have a network card to work on a network.
- Switches and hubs where they all connect
- Security and backup are very important for having a network. Backup especially when the computers unexpectedly are faced with an error
- Electrical wiring attracts lightning and it is therefore better to make use of the more --expensive, but safer fiber optic.
What type of server?
Service software (more expensive)
Windows XP
Linux (free but difficult)
- Operating system – R10 000 (5 client access licenses)
- Microsoft supplies school with free software except Windows XP etc.
- For bigger networks there are international lines under the sea
- Local internet is much cheaper
- One line off or facing trouble, can then be transferred to the other
- There is a band width which allows only a certain amount of information through
- For example: 1 Megabyte can then be sent via email and turned into 1, 5 megabytes.
- Sending many of these then can be sent and it can cause a block
- A switch is more advanced than a hub
- With a manage switch, you can see what’s happening
- You can now pinpoint errors and see what’s causing the trouble
What to remember:
- There should be backups on devices in case of such errors.
- There are also certain copyright and piracy laws
- If a package is purchased the packaging number and the number on the PC bind and it then cannot work on any other PC
- This number is sent to Microsoft
- Pastel etc. all have license agreements but there are some programs that are free and accept donations such as Adobe
- Computer Visage policy
- Organization
- For further reading: http://fcit.usf.edu/network/

We also got to have an inside look at how exactly the networks at the NCC worked and where set up. They have special rooms for the different parts of their networks and hardware