Introduction to Networks and Users

Question 1

How has the use of computers changed over 75 years?

Answer 1

More affordable now, easier to use w/GUI, smaller.

Question 2

What is the purpose of a Computer Network?

Answer 2

To allow computers and resources to communicate with each other.

Question 3

What is the most commonly used network protocol?

Answer 3

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) which is really a collection of protocols and sometimes referred to as a protocol stack.

Question 4

What does TCP/IP stand for?

Answer 4

Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol

Question 5

What is a LOCAL computer?

Answer 5

The computer physically present with the user.

Question 6

What is a REMOTE computer?

Answer 6

The computer being accessed over the internet.

Question 7

What is the Physical level of a network?

Answer 7

How information is carried over the network through bits over some type of Media (physical connection)

Question 8

What is the most common form of network connection?

Answer 8

UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) and fiber optic cable.

Question 9

What previously was most common connection for network connection?

Answer 9

Twisted wire pair (like telephone network) and still in use due to affordability.

Question 10

How does coaxial cable and twisted wire transmit information vs. fiber optic cable?

Answer 10

Electromagnetic waves vs light pulses.

Question 11

How is information transmitted over long distances?

Answer 11

Radio signals via radio towers and bounces off satellites in orbit.

Question 12

What is bandwidth?

Answer 12

Transfer rate permissible over the media.

Question 13

What is a network hub?

Answer 13

Device that connects multiple computers together. Transmission is submitted to each device in the network.

Question 14

What is a network switch?

Answer 14

More functional than a hub, allows for message to be passed along to only one unique computer, not all computers (although it CAN).

Question 15

What is a router?

Answer 15

Connects multiple NETWORKS together.

Question 16

What is a wireless access point?

Answer 16

Can be connected to a hub, switch or router and allows for computers to be connected wirelessly. Many routers also ACT as a wireless access point.

Question 17

What is the difference between Packet Switched and Circuit Switched?

Answer 17

Circuit switched network requires a full pathway/circuit be established before transmission can begin and maintained throughout the entire transmission. (ie telephone network) A packet switched network, the message’s pathway is only established as it is sent. If received at the wrong location, it is forwarded to another location.

Question 18

Are more networks packet switched or circuit switched?

Answer 18

Packet switched.

Question 19

What is a peer-to-peer network?

Answer 19

Peer means that each computer is roughly equal to every other computer.

Question 20

What is a client-server network?

Answer 20

A client computer requests information from another computer. The server is the computer that takes the request and responds with the requested information.

Question 21

What are virtual machines?

Answer 21

A software emulator program that permits a computer user to use multiple computers and multiple platforms without the expense of purchasing multiple computers.