|
The
ability to communicate
A network supports communication among users in ways that other media cannot. E-mail, the most popular form of network communication, provides low-cost, printable correspondence with the capability for forwarding, acknowledgment, storage, retrieval, and attachments.    |
| The ability to share. Sharing involves not
only information (database records, e-mail, graphics, etc.), but also
resources (applications, printers, modems, disk space, scanners, etc.)
Through its ability to share, a network promotes collaboration
eg 
 |
| Advantages of Network
|
Disadvantages of Network |
| *
Hardware Sharing - Network facilitate the sharing of hardware devices
such as printer, plotters and modem |
*
Undesirable Sharing - Viruses are easily spread over netwok and the
Internet |
| *
Internet Access Sharing - Small computer networks allow multiple users
to share a single Internet connection |
*
Data Security Concerns - Critical data at risk, exposing it to the
potential problems associated with hackers, unauthorized access and
sabotage |
| *
Connectivity and Communication - Network connect computers and the
users of those computers |
*
Network Hardware, Software and Setup Costs - Setting up a network
requires an investment in hardware, software of network |