A network is two or more computers connected together.
The largest network is the internet.
Advantages
- Users can share files
- Users can share peripherals and connections to other networks, i.e., the internet
- Users can access files from any computer on the network
- Servers can control security, software updates and backup of data
- Communication with other people
Generalised to all networks.
Disadvantages
- Increased security risks to data
- Malware and viruses spread very easily between computers
- If a server fails, the computers connected to it may not work
- Computers may run slower if there is a lot of traffic (data travelling) on the network
- Bandwidth consumption - links to Compression
Generalised to all networks.
Standards
Standards are a set of hardware and software specifications that allow manufacturers to create products and services that are compatible with each other.
Without them, most devices would not be able to communicate/interact with each other.
Protocols
Protocols are a way to ensure technology-based standards and adhered to.