networks

Question 1

What is a computer network?

Answer 1

A group of two or more devices that are connected together, usually to share resources and communicate with other devices.

Question 2

What is the Tcp Ip model?

Answer 2

1 Application
(http,https,ftp,imap,smtp) 
2 Transport
(tcp,udp)
3 Internet/network
(ip,mac)
4 Link/data
(WiFi,ethernet)

Question 3

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a Bus topology?

Answer 3

Advantages

• cost efficient, doesn’t require much cabling (no hubs/switches).
• if a device fails it will be easy to install a new one.

Disadvantages

• more workstations are connected, performance of network will become slower due to data collisions.
• if the main cable breaks the whole network will fail because there are more workstations connected.

Question 4

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a Star topology?

Answer 4

Advantages

• if a device fails, all the others will continue to work.
• speed is a priority because it is usually a small network of 5 to 6 computers.

Disadvantages

• expensive, uses a lot of cable and network cable is expensive
• you can only add a certain amount of devices.

Question 5

What is a LAN?

Answer 5

Local area network-covers a small geographical area. (schools and offices)

Question 6

What is a WAN?

Answer 6

Wide area network-covers a wide geographical area. (Internet and banks/cashpoints)

Question 7

What is a PAN?

Answer 7

Personal area network-area that is centered around one person. (Bluetooth e.g. Earphones)

Question 8

What are the Advantages of a network?

Answer 8

• files can be easily shared between users.
• data is easy to back up as all the data is stored on the file server.
• security is good, users cannot see other users files unlike on standalone machines.

Question 9

What are the Disadvantages of a network?

Answer 9

• purchasing the network cabling and file servers can be expensive
• viruses can spread to other computers throughout a computer network
• danger of hacking (particularly with WAN), security procedures are needed to prevent such abuse e.g. Firewall

Question 10

How is Patched/outdated software a security threat?

Answer 10

Outdated software is weaknesses within the system.

A patch is a modification to a program to improve its security, performance, or other feature.

Question 11

How are Misconfigured access rights a security threat?

Answer 11

Certain people can see different things to other users when given incorrect permissions. This can lead to sensitive/personal information being leaked.

Question 12

How can Weak/default passwords be a security threat?

Answer 12

Computer systems offer a default password when set up, if they are not changed there could be a risk as accounts can easily be hacked and logged into.

Question 13

Why is Removable media a security threat?

Answer 13

Removable media can be lost or introduce the spread of malware from one computer to another.