Computer Networking, Multimedia Basics

(a) The advantages of using the internet for information retrieval compared to CD-ROMs or paper-based systems are:

1. Vast Information — The internet offers a vast and constantly updated pool of information, providing a wider range of resources than limited CD-ROMs or static paper-based systems.
2. Convenience and Speed — Internet access allows quick and convenient access to information from anywhere, eliminating the need to carry physical media like CD-ROMs or search through printed materials.

Disadvantage — Internet searching lacks the reliability and authenticity of CD-ROMs or printed sources due to mixed accuracy, making verification harder.

(b) An advantage of using wireless connections is mobility. Wireless connections enable laptops to connect from different locations within coverage area without cables.
A disadvantage of using wireless connections is that wireless connections can suffer from interference and obstacles, causing potential connectivity problems and lower reliability than wired connections.

(a) Two advantages of using the Internet rather than making a telephone call for this task are:

1. 24/7 Availability — Internet booking is available round the clock, allowing users to make reservations at any time, whereas telephone calls are limited by business hours and potential wait times.
2. Self-Service and Control — Internet booking empowers users to independently browse available seats, choose preferences, and make reservations without relying on a customer service representative, providing greater control and customization.

(b) For making a booking through the Internet, the type of file access needed is "Read-Only File Access." This allows users to view available flight options, seat layouts, and other booking-related information without altering the underlying data. Users can read and interact with the data to make informed decisions about their seat selections and travel plans.

(a) Three advantages to employers of allowing employees to work from home are:

1. Increased Productivity — Employees often experience fewer distractions and a more comfortable work environment at home, leading to potential boosts in productivity and task completion.
2. Cost Savings — Allowing remote work can lead to reduced overhead costs, including office space, utilities, and amenities, contributing to cost savings for employers.
3. Wider Talent Pool — Employers can tap into a broader talent pool by hiring remote workers, without being restricted by geographic location, potentially leading to the recruitment of specialized or diverse skill sets.

(b) Two advances in computer technology enabling working from home are:

1. High-Speed Internet — The widespread availability of high-speed internet connections allows seamless communication, data sharing, video conferencing, and access to cloud-based resources, enabling remote employees to collaborate effectively.
2. Cloud Computing and Collaboration Tools — Cloud computing centralizes data and applications, eradicating the need for local servers. This lets remote workers access files and tools online, aided by collaborative platforms like video conferencing, project management, and document sharing, enabling teamwork and productivity despite physical separation.

Considering Mr. Singh's situation, where he has offices in three cities, the need for centralized resources, and the potential benefits of inter-office collaboration, it is advisable for him to create a WAN connecting the three LANs. Creating a WAN will give him the following benefits:

1. Centralized Resources — A single WAN would allow centralized resources, such as servers and databases, to be shared among all offices. This can improve efficiency and data consistency.
2. Efficient Communication — A WAN facilitates seamless communication and collaboration between offices, making it easier for employees to work together regardless of their physical location.
3. Cost Efficiency — Sharing resources over a WAN can reduce the need for redundant equipment, leading to potential cost savings.

(a) Private Cloud Computing.

(b) To communicate among his offices located in different continents, Mr. Shah's company would require a communication medium that offers global connectivity and reliability. Wide Area Network would be most appropriate for his company as WANs can be implemented using dedicated lines and secured by virtual private networks (VPNs) to ensure data privacy and security.

data communication

Reason — Transmission of computerised data from one location to another is called data communication.

Local Area Network (LAN)

Reason — When a group of computers is connected together in a small area without the help of some cables, it is called Local Area Network (LAN).

Local Area Network

Reason — Full form of LAN is Local Area Network.

Multimedia

Reason — Interactive combination of text, graphics, images, audio, video etc. is known as multimedia.

WAN

Reason — Internet may be termed as an example of Wide Area Network (WAN).

network within a building or site

Reason — A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network within a building or site.

network across a city, country or even the world

Reason — A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network across a city, country or even the world.

you only need one printer per network

Reason — Networks are useful because resources such as a printer, can be shared within a network.

Cloud computing

Reason — Storing and accessing data and programs over the internet is generally known as Cloud computing.

Unguided media

Reason — The communication media used for wireless network is collectively called unguided media.

Communication is the transfer of information from one person or device to another.

Networking is the process of joining computers together to form a network.

A communication channel refers to a physical or virtual pathway that allows data and information to be transmitted between sender and receiver, facilitating communication in various forms.

The different types of computer networks are:

1. Local Area Networks (LANs)
2. Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs)
3. Wide Area Networks (WANs)

Internet is a computer-based world wide information network. It is composed of a large number of smaller interconnected networks.

Some of the uses of Internet are:

1. Businesses use the Internet to provide access to complex databases, such as financial databases.
2. Companies carry out electronic commerce (commerce on internet) including advertising, selling, buying, distributing products, and providing after sales services.
3. Businesses and institutions use the Internet for voice and video conferencing and other forms of communication that enable people to telecommute, or work from a distance.
4. The use of electronic mail (e-mail) over the Internet has greatly speeded communication between companies among coworkers, and between other individuals.
5. Individuals use the Internet for communication, entertainment, finding information and to buy and sell goods and services.

WAN

Reason — WAN (Wide Area Network) spans a larger geographical area and connects multiple LANs or other networks together. It can cover regional, national, or even global distances.

(i) LAN — LANs (Local Area Network) are small computer networks confined to a localised area like an office, a building or a factory. They facilitate resource sharing among users, including data, programs, printers, hard-disks, modems etc.

(ii) MAN — MANs (Metropolitan Area Network) are the networks spread over a city. For example, cable TV networks that are spread over a city. The purpose of a MAN is also the sharing of hardware and software resources among its users.

(iii) WAN — WANs (Wide Area Network) connect computers across countries, spanning large distances. They can link LANs from different locations, acting as a unified network for efficient, cost-effective and high speed information exchange.

Data — Data is raw, unprocessed facts and figures. For example, consider the digits — 4, 8, 12. These are data.

Information — Information refers to processed data which is conveying some meaning as per context. For example, 4 + 8 = 12 is information as it conveys a clear meaning.

Multimedia — Multimedia refers to usage of many types of media like text, photographs, graphics, video and audio at the same time.

WIFI — Wi-Fi refers to Wireless Fidelity, which lets us connect to the Internet without a direct line from our PC to the ISP.

Bluetooth — Bluetooth is a telecommunications industry specification that describes how mobile phones, computers and personal digital assistants (PDAs) can be easily interconnected using a short-range wireless connection.

Guided media — The communication media used for wired connection are called guided media. For example, twisted pair cables, coaxial cables etc.

Unguided media — The communication media used for wireless connection are called unguided media. For example, radio waves, microwaves, satellites etc.

Cloud computing refers to storing and accessing data and programs over the Internet instead of the computer's hard drive.