UNIT III: TEXT 1: Connecting computer systems

The PC as a standalone device may be adequate for use as a home computer.

However, businesses, government offices, and schools need to exchange
information and share equipment and resources. Networking was developed as a
method to connect individual computers so that they can share resources. The
individual computers in a network are referred to as workstations.

Computers used by students, teachers, and administrators in a school are all

connected through networks. This saves the expense of having to buy peripheral
equipment for each computer. For example, the printer in the school computer lab is
shared with all of the students. A network also allows users to share files. If work is
being done on a group project, a file can be saved to a central computer called a
server. This file can then be accessed from any other computer in the school.

Networks are not limited to a building or school campus. Networks can encompass
an entire school district or all of the offices in a company. A school, for example, is
connected to a main district office, as are all the other schools in a district. The
Internet is the ultimate network because it connects millions of smaller networks.

Most connections are made by cable. However, wireless connections are becoming
more prominent. Cable can carry voice, data, or both. Homes may have modems
that plug into telephone sockets. The telephone line carries voice signals when the
telephone is plugged into the phone jack, but carries data signals, which are
encoded to appear as if they were voice signals, when the modem is connected.
There are other, faster connections to the Internet that are available. These
connections include digital subscriber line (DSL), cable, and T1, T3, or E1 lines. In
some parts of the world, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is used as well.
Most of these technologies are used by businesses because of the cost. Some of the
high-speed services are only available in a limited area. However, improvements in
communication devices and an ever increasing demand for high-speed links will
mean that many home users should have access to these Internet connections in
the next few years.

Classroom Work (In Pairs Only) Questions:

1. Why was Networking developed?

2. How are computers in a network called?
3. What can be done with files in a network?
4. Are networks limited to small buildings or campuses?
5. How are most connections made?