Edexcel GCSE Computer Science
Revision Guide (Topic 4 – Networks)
Specification:
, 4.1.1
Network - an arrangement of two or more computing devices, connected
together to communicate with each other/share resources.
Why are computers connected on a network?
They can share:
o data & software.
o printers, hard drives & other hardware peripherals.
o internet connections & services.
They can provide centralised support & backup services.
Enables rapid deployment of new software & updates.
Supports collaborative working.
However, some disadvantages are:
Increased security risk to data.
Malware/viruses spread very easily between computers.
If a server fails, all the computers may not work.
The computer may run more slowly if there is a lot of data (traffic)
travelling on the network.
4.1.2
LAN (Local Area Network)
A network in a small area (e.g. home, school, office building).
o Exists in a small geographical area.
Usually managed by a local manager/team.
It is usual to have a home LAN that allows household members to
access internet with a wireless router.
ADVANTAGES:
User can log on from any workstation/still access all their files.
Peripherals (e.g. printers) & photocopiers can be shared.
Resources & files can be shared by users,
Backups of files & documents can be done centrally, rather than
needing to do it from each machine.
If software needs to be installed, it can be done centrally.
Anti-virus and malware check can be carried out from one server to
all workstations.
Data can be transmitted very quickly between networked
computers.
A home LAN allows many devices to connect to one another, e.g.
smart TV or a media server.
DISADVANTAGES
Network failure. If the server has a problem, you cannot access your
files anymore.
Slow service. If a lot of users are logged on, the network will slow
down. There is a limited amount of bandwidth.
Viruses & malware. These are dealt with centrally, if someone
installs a virus it could easily spread around the network.
Cost. Networks are expensive to set up and keep running.
Revision Guide (Topic 4 – Networks)
Specification:
, 4.1.1
Network - an arrangement of two or more computing devices, connected
together to communicate with each other/share resources.
Why are computers connected on a network?
They can share:
o data & software.
o printers, hard drives & other hardware peripherals.
o internet connections & services.
They can provide centralised support & backup services.
Enables rapid deployment of new software & updates.
Supports collaborative working.
However, some disadvantages are:
Increased security risk to data.
Malware/viruses spread very easily between computers.
If a server fails, all the computers may not work.
The computer may run more slowly if there is a lot of data (traffic)
travelling on the network.
4.1.2
LAN (Local Area Network)
A network in a small area (e.g. home, school, office building).
o Exists in a small geographical area.
Usually managed by a local manager/team.
It is usual to have a home LAN that allows household members to
access internet with a wireless router.
ADVANTAGES:
User can log on from any workstation/still access all their files.
Peripherals (e.g. printers) & photocopiers can be shared.
Resources & files can be shared by users,
Backups of files & documents can be done centrally, rather than
needing to do it from each machine.
If software needs to be installed, it can be done centrally.
Anti-virus and malware check can be carried out from one server to
all workstations.
Data can be transmitted very quickly between networked
computers.
A home LAN allows many devices to connect to one another, e.g.
smart TV or a media server.
DISADVANTAGES
Network failure. If the server has a problem, you cannot access your
files anymore.
Slow service. If a lot of users are logged on, the network will slow
down. There is a limited amount of bandwidth.
Viruses & malware. These are dealt with centrally, if someone
installs a virus it could easily spread around the network.
Cost. Networks are expensive to set up and keep running.
