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A computer network can be two computers connected:
A computer network can also consist of, and is usually made for, more than two computers:
The primary purpose of a computer network is to share resources:
Based on their layout (not the physical but the imagined layout, also referred to as topology), there are two types of networks. A network is referred to as peer-to-peer if most computers are similar and run workstation operating systems:
It typically has a mix of Microsoft Windows 9X, Me, Windows XP Home Edition, or Windows XP Professional (you can also connect a Novell SUSE Linux as part of a Microsoft Windows-based network; the current release of the operating system is really easily to install and made part of the network).
In a peer-to-peer network, each computer holds its files and resources. Other computers can access these resources but a computer that has a particular resource must be turned on for other computers to access the resource it has. For example, if a printer is connected to computer A and computer B wants to printer to that printer, computer A must be turned On.
A computer network is referred to as client/server if (at least) one of the computers is used to "serve" other computers referred to as "clients". Besides the computers, other types of devices can be part of the network:
In a client/server environment, each computer still holds (or can still hold) its (or some) resources and files. Other computers can also access the resources stored in a computer, as in a peer-to-peer scenario. One of the particularities of a client/server network is that the files and resources are centralized. This means that a computer, the server, can hold them and other computers can access them. Since the server is always On, the client machines can access the files and resources without caring whether a certain computer is On.
Another big advantage of a client/server network is that security is created, managed, and can highly get enforced. To access the network, a person, called a user must provide some credentials, including a username and a password. If the credentials are not valid, the user can be prevented from accessing the network.
The client/server type of network also provides many other advantages such as centralized backup, Intranet capability, Internet monitoring, etc.
In these series of lessons, the network we will build is based on Microsoft Windows operating systems (I have been able to fully connect some versions of Linux, such as Novell SUSE Linux, into a Microsoft Windows-based network but at the time of this writing, I will not be able to address that).
In our lessons, we will mention the names of companies or provide links. These are only indications and not advertisements. Any other company or link that provides the mentioned service is suitable.
As its name implies, a workstation is a computer on which a person performs everyday regular assignments. A workstation is primarily a personal computer (PC). It can also be a laptop. You have probably used PCs so far. Almost any modern PC can be used as a workstation and participate on a network.
Before building a computer network, when planning the workstations, you may be in one of the following scenarios.
If you haven't bought the computer(s) but are planning to, refer to our section on purchasing or acquiring new computers in the Lesson 4.
If you already have one or more computers that you plan to use as workstations, you can start by checking the hardware parts installed in the computer. The computer must meet the following requirements:
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Network Hardware |
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Workstations |
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Introduction |
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As introduced in the previous lesson, in a network, computers and optional other devices are connected to share resources. When a computer or device A is requesting a resource from another computer or device B, the item A is referred to as a client. Because all or most items that are part of a network live in association or cooperation, almost any one of them can be referred to as a client. Based on this, there can be different types of clients. The most regularly used of them is referred to as a workstation. |
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Using New Computers |
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Using Existing Computers |
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With these two previous options, you can see the processor's speed in the Computer section of the General property page. As another alternative to check the computer's processor, from Control Panel, you can double-click System, click the Hardware tab, and click Device Manager. In the Device Manager window, expand the Processors node and double-click the first node under Processors. Here is an example:
In most cases, if your computer is running Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, it should be ready for Windows XP Professional. If the computer is running another operating system but it appears to be too slow, you can replace its processor with a faster one. Before replacing a processor, you must first find out what type of processor your computer use. You cannot just replace any processor for another. To know the type of processor your computer uses, you have three options:
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If you purchase or acquire a processor, it is usually easy to install and it comes with easy-to-follow instructions. You will need to open the computer. It may be a good idea to take it to a
computer store or a computer repair shop and have them replace the processor for you
To check the amount of RAM your computer has:
If your computer doesn't have enough memory, you can increase it. Like a processor, different computers use different types of memory. Before changing or increasing the memory of your computer,
you should find out what type it takes. As mentioned for the processor, you can get this information by consulting the manual it came with, by opening the computer, or by calling the
manufacturer.
Computer memory has not been very expensive lately. You can purchase the one appropriate for your computer from a computer, from the manufacturer of your computer, or from a web store. Once you
get the memory, you can open the computer and insert the new memory in the sockets next to the existing memory
A computer is referred to as "barebone" if it's built almost from scratch by assembling its parts. You can build your own computer or you can purchase one. You can purchase or acquire a computer with all parts or only some parts. To get this type of computers:
You may have a computer without an operating system. For example, you might have formatted the hard drive or you might have created two or more partitions on the hard drive and (may be intentionally) loose the operating system. You may plan to use such a computer as a workstation.
Whether you build your own computer or use one without an operating system, before installing Microsoft Windows XP Professional, make sure the computer meets these hardware requirements:
Because building a barebone depends on your goals, we will not review here the parts to acquire or the steps performed.
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Introduction to Computer Networks What can a Network do For You? |
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Introduction |
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Characteristics of a Computer Network |
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Peer-to-Peer Networking |
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Client/Server Networking |
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o When the computer starts, you can access its BIOS by pressing F2 or F8 depending on the computer, the model or the manufacturer o From the desktop of a Windows 95 and later computer, you can right-click My Computer and click Properties o You can open Control Panel and double-click System Any of these two options would show the computer's memory in the General property page under the Computer section. Here is an example:
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Using Barebone Computers |
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