By the end of this section, you

will know and understand the hardware and

software involved in

making a LAN!

• Main computer on the network.

• More powerful than other computers on the network.

• Contains a large amount of RAM and Hard Disk space.

• Holds the networks OS e.g. Windows XP

• Holds the application software e.g. Microsoft Office Suite.

• Stores the user files created on the system.

• Also known as NIC.

• Each computer MUST have one of these.

• It communicates with the file server and other computers on the network.

• These plug into the back of each computer and link them together.

• They go straight into the Network Interface Card inside the computer.

• A switch is a single connection point for a group of computers.

• The switch is then connected to the file server and organises the communication.

• Not needed with all networks.

By the end of this section, you

will know and understand the hardware and

software involved in

making a WAN!

• Stands for Modulator – Demodulator.

• First created to take digital signals from a computer and convert them to analogue so that they can be transmitted down a telephone line.

• Speed at which a modem operates will affect the download time of web pages and files.

• An ISP sells Internet access to companies and individuals.

• It provides web servers which connect to the Internet.

• An ISP will provide it’s customers with a wide range of services…

• Bandwidth options.

• Email service.

• Web Hosting.

• Online and Telephone assistance.

• Browser software allows users to view and use the web pages on the Internet.

• Features include:• An Address Bar.

• A Navigation Bar.

• A Bookmark/Favourites Option.

• A Search Engine.

• A History Button.

• Browser Setting and Internet Options e.g. Filtering.