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Basic Terminology of Computer Networks

June 13, 2011 by Leave a Comment

When computers and other devices are connected together in order to share data and communications then a computer network has been built.

There are many aspects that characterize computer networks. One is the size of the network. A network can be considered a local area network if it covers a small geographic area such as a building. Wide area networks typically cover areas larger than a local area network and may comprise a college campus or a company with several buildings in one location. Metropolitan area networks, on the other hand, usually cover wide geographic areas such as a city, a county or entire state.

Networks can be categorized according to their topology which represents their layout or structure. One topology is called a bus in which all devices on the network communicate through a common conduit while another is a star in which all communications are controlled by a centralized device. Other topologies include ring and mesh.

Devices on a network can be connected together by various means. The most popular of these media include twisted-pair copper wire, fiber optics, coaxial cable and wireless technologies. Wireless technologies are becoming more popular these days with the widespread use of smartphones and have found their way onto many college campuses to provide connectivity to students and faculty anywhere on campus. Many local retail establishments also provide wireless connections for their customers.

Networks also need a protocol or a set of rules that all devices use for communicating with each other. One popular protocol is TCP/IP which is used for all communications on the Internet and for most networks in private businesses and corporations.

 

 

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Software for the Home Office

May 25, 2011 by Leave a Comment

You’ve set up your home office with the proper computer, printer, private business line, and wireless network, but what about software? Chances are that new computer came with some pretty good standard programs; you would be hard-pressed to get any work done without Windows, e-mail, and a word processing program, but don’t overlook these important additions:

Antivirus Software

Foregoing antivirus protection means putting yourself at risk of losing valuable files and projects-in-progress. Nobody should take that chance. Norton or McAfee are highly recommended antivirus programs for home-based offices. Any network over five computers will need a heftier business program.

Norton AntiVirus 

Image via Wikipedia

 

Firewall

Your computer is susceptible to hackers and tech-savvy thieves who may be out to steal your information. A firewall acts as a security guard to inspect network traffic passing through your CPU and hard drives. Most home businesses lack firewall protection or, if they have a firewall, have failed to set them up properly. It’s vital to correctly configure your firewall, so enlist the help of a trained expert if necessary.

Online Backup

As an added layer of protection, store important documents and files on an online backup service. The annual fees are minimal, although they are starting to go up as demand increases, and your files are available anywhere there is an Internet connection, even from your mobile device.

If you would rather not pay for online storage, another solution is to set up a separate e-mail account. E-mail yourself any documents you wish to save. For hard copies, scan the documents and then send to the e-mail address. Once there, file the documents into special folders. Your e-mail has become your online backup.

 

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How to Maintain a Safe Computer Network

April 10, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Setting up a home network is a great way to keep multiple computers connected, and allows for several machines to share one printer, one internet connection, other files and documents. It is important to ensure that every single computer is fully equipped with anti-virus software to protect against dangerous and malicious files being accidentally downloaded. However, if it is too late, and a virus has been detected, there are several things that must be done to remove the files before too much irreparable damage is caused.

The first step is to immediately download or purchase antivirus software, and make sure that it is current. This will help reduce any additional security threats. Spyware is another type of file that can severely damage a computer and the files stored within. If such a file is already on the computer, it may have features that will disable the current security features, causing users to be completely unaware of the problem. Anti-spyware programs are crucial to preventing these files from attacking the machine.

Some unsafe websites may allow access to personal information. When visiting a site, be sure that the information given will be encrypted for your protection. Many enjoy online gaming, but some sites featuring online casino games are not safe. Make sure that everyone with access to the network is an authorized user. Another tip is to allow anti-virus and anti-spyware programs to download automatic updates. There are new viruses created daily, so patches are created to fight off these new viruses. Following these steps is crucial in making sure that private information and important documents, photos, music, and more will always be protected.

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10 Easy Steps to Parent Proof Your Home Computer

April 8, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Parental controls control panel

Image via Wikipedia

You can be in control of your kids computer usage in 10 easy steps. Follow these steps to parent proof your computer at home.

Step 1:Log into your Windows computer as the administrator

Step 2: Click the start button then click in the search box and type in parental control. Click on the parental control icon.

Step 3: If you need to create a user account for your child click the create user link, type in a username and click create account. If a user account is already setup click on their account.

Step 4: On the setup screen click to turn on parental control

Step 5: Click on time limits. On the calendar, select the times to block. Click ok to save.

Step 6: To restrict games, click games on the setup screen. You can click yes or no to allow games.

Step 7: If you’re allowing games you can click to allow or block games with no ratings. Next, click on the ratings that are allowed for your child. Below the ratings section select what types of content to block, press ok to save.

Step 8: On the games control screen you can click block or allow specific games. Select the games on your computer to block, then select always block.

Step 9: On the setup screen click allow and block specific programs. On the next screen click to allow all programs or programs you allow.

Step 10: Select the programs from the list to allow. If a specific program is not on the list click browse to locate the program.

Your computer is now parent proof and more safe for your kids.

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Making Sure Your Laptop Computer is Secure

March 17, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Laptop computers are perfect for working or enjoying games, TV programs, movies, music videos, and just about anything else you can think of while traveling, but just like “permanent” computers, they can have security issues. These issues can be very serious when it comes to work-related entries and functions.

However, there is security software available for laptop computers just as there for fixed computers. This software includes the same things as that for regular computers, including anti-virus software and some that is specifically designed for use on laptop computers.

What Is Security Software?

For example, you can obtain security software that can act as a laptop anti-theft device as well as a warning that someone is trying to “hack” into the files stored there. You receive information or a signal that unauthorized use is being attempted or has occurred as well as an alarm when the laptop itself is being stolen. If the laptop is stolen, you can even use tracking software to help locate the computer for possible recovery.

The best security anti-virus software, however, needs the user’s help to make it most effective. This includes creating strong passwords and changing them frequently, and maintaining as much physical control of laptop computers as possible. However, because there will be times when you are your laptop are separated, tracking and anti-theft security software can be a major asset in providing protection.

Backing up your files often can also help the security software work well. Even if information is compromised or lost, you will still have something to work with so that you can rebuild your files, making adjustments or changes where necessary.

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