Networking A computer network is system that connects two or more computers together using a communication link. It describes a processing system with a number of independent, relatively low speed, online, simultaneously usable work stations. In a network , remotely located computer stations are connected to a centrally located sophisticated, high speed processor via a communication link (telephone lines, microwave links, satellite) for purpose of sharing resources like printers, processor, programs and some other information.
Work station/ Client: Each computer in a network is often referred to a work station or clients. Clients are the computers that can access the shared network resources provided by a server.
Server:A server provides shared resources and data over a network. It is usually a high performance micro-computer with several drives often given several gigabytes of capacityand perhaps a few CD-ROM drivers, server allow all the microcomputer to have access to an external network via the network communication system.
Media:The computers are linked to each other by hardware components such as cables (UTP, STP, coaxial and fiber optics)
User: This is any person that uses a client to access resources on the network.
Resources: These are files, printers, modem or other items that can be used by network users. These
can be hardware or software resources.
Protocol:They are written rules used for communication. They are language that computers used to talk to each other over a network eg. TCP/IP, AppleTalk
EVALUATION Explain computer network.
Explain the following terms: (i)Work station (ii) Server (iii) Media (iv) resources (v) Protocol
