[5 marks Questions]

Question 15 Marks

Explain the given terms with respect to computer networks:

File and Data Sharing
Distributing Computing Power
Ease of Administration
Networking
Server

Answer

File and Data Sharing
At a time, file-sharing consisted mostly of saving documents to floppy disks that could be physically transferred to other computers by hand. With networking, files can be shared instantaneously across the network, whether with one user or with hundreds users, e.g. employees across departments can collaborate on documents, exchange background material etc.
Distributed Computing Power
In computer networks, we can distribute tasks across multiple computers throughout the network, by breaking complex problems into hundreds or thousands of smaller operations, which are then parceled out to individual computers.
Each computer in the network performs its operations on its own portion of the larger problem and return its result. Then, all these results are gathered in such a form that impact as the solution of the complex problem and finally are used for the further task.
Ease of Administration
Instead of individually upgrading each computer in an organisation, a network administrator can initiate an upgrade from a server and automatically duplicate the upgrade throughout the network. Simultaneously, allowing everyone in the company to maintain uniform software, resources and procedures.
Networking
Networking is a process of exchanging the information and ideas among individuals or groups that share a common interest, i.e. the process of creating a network is called networking.
The need for networking is mainly to break the barriers of distance, time and cost. Similarly, interconnecting computers, results in a form of networks of computers.
Server
A server is a main computer that manages resources connected to a network. Any user on the network can access the resources stored on the server.

Question 25 Marks

Today, computers are.being used very widely for communication. Write down some benefits offered by computers when used for communication.

Answer

File and Data Sharing
At a time, file-sharing consisted mostly of saving documents to floppy disks that could be physically transferred to other computers by hand. With networking, files can be shared instantaneously across the network, whether with one user or with hundreds users
Resource Sharing
Computer networking also allows the sharing of network resources, such as printers, scanners, dedicated servers, backup systems, input devices and Internet connections.
Data Protection and Redundancy
Computer networking allows users to distribute copies of important information across multiple locations, ensuring essential information is not lost with the failure of any one computer in the network.
Ease of Administration
Instead of individually upgrading each computer in an organisation, a network administrator can initiate an upgrade from a server and automatically duplicate the upgrade throughout the network
User Communications
Computer networking also allows organisations to maintain complex communication systems. It also allow users to communicate using E-mail, newsgroups, video conferencing etc.
Distributed Computing Power
In computer networks, we can distribute tasks across multiple computers throughout the network, by breaking complex problems into hundreds or thousands of smaller operations, which are then parceled out to individual computers.
Network Gaming
A lot of network games are available, which allow multi-users to play from different locations. It is a type of online game, i.e. played through social networks.

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