Definition of Computer Network and Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer Network

Computer Network

A computer network is a group of interconnected computers through transmission media in order to communicate, share data, information, hardware and software resources.

Advantages of  Computer Network

1. Computer in a network can access the network-connected hardware devices like printers, disk drives, etc.
2. Data in a network environment can be updated from any computer. Updated data can be accessed by all computers on the network.
3. Computers in a network system share different software packages.
4. Information can be exchanged rapidly in computer network.

Disadvantages of  Computer Network

1. The sharing of information may leak the privacy of other clients.
2. If any computer system in a network gets affected by computer virus, there is a big chance of spreading computer viruses on other computers on the network.
3. Computers on the network have to depend on the server computer for the resources.
4. Data and information may be stolen by computer hackers if the security of network is not reliable.

Mention the reasons of keeping computers on the network.

The reasons of keeping computers on the network are

1. To share hardware devices like printers, scanners, hard disks etc.
2. To share data and information.
3. to share software resources.
4. To communicate with each other.

List the main goals of computer network.

The main goals of computer network are

1. Resource sharing
2. Reliability
3. Communication medium
4. Access to remote database
5. Easy data transfer

Computer Network reduces expenses of an office. Justify this statement with suitable examples.

Computer network reduces expenses of an office. It is because in offices, there may be more than one computer and they may need to produce hard copy outputs, scan documents and send faxes. But it is impractical for each individual computer of an office to have expensive computer hardware like laser printer, scanner, fax machine etc. So, to reduce the expenses, computers are kept on the network.

Computer network makes the world a small place. Justify this statement with strong reasons.

Computer network makes the world a small place. Because of computer network, it is easy for the average person using his/her PC to make reservation for airplanes, trains, hotels, check bank balance in account and transfer money from banks and so on anywhere in the world with instant confirmation. The server computer on the network acts as the storehouse and distributor for the data, information and programs.