Network Software

Network software consists of programs that manage the network, provide srevices and allow computers to communicate and share information on the network.
Network Operating System

The Network Operating System (NOS) is the most important software on a network. The network operating system organizes and manages alla the activities on a network. On some networks, one central computer, called a server, is responsible for running the network operating system. Netware, Windows 2000 Server, Linux and LANtastic are examples of popular network operating systems.

Network Driver

A network driver is the software that allows the network inteface card in a computer to communicate with the network. The network driver must be compitable with the network interface card and the operating system on a computer.

Server Software

A server is a computer that makes information and resources available to other computers on a network. Server software enables a server to perform a specific task. For example, e-mail srver software allows a server to process and manage e-mail messages. the server software must be compatible with the network operating system.

Application Software

Application software consists of the programs that run on computers connected to a network. Application software includes productivity programs, such as word processors, spreadsheet and database programs, and customized software, such as programs used for inventory and accounting purposes. Application software can be stored on each computer connected to the network or on a server used only for storing application software.

Management Software

Networks that connect several computers often use management software, which allows network administrators to organize and manage a network more efficiently. Management software can help maintain network performance and alert the network administrator in case problems or errors occur on a network.

Network Hardware

Network hardware includes the physical devices used on a network. All networks require network hardware to function.

Computers

The most important job of a network is to link computers together. When computers are linked, the people using the computers can be work more efficiently. Computers connected to a anetwrok do not have to be the same type. For Example, a network could conatain desktop computers, such as IBM-compatible & Macintosh computers, or portable computers, such as notebooks and Personal Digital Assistants(PDAs).

Resources

Anetwork resource is a device that computers on a network can use. The most common type of network resource is a printer. All of the users on a network can send documents to a printer that is connected to the network. Other examples of netwrok resources include fax machines, tape backup units and file storage devices, such as hard drives.

Cables

Cables are the wire that connect computers and resources on a network. Many different kinds of cables can be used, depending on the type and size of a network. The type of cable used often determines how quickly information will tarnsfer through a network. For some large networks, many miles of cable may be required.

Connectors

A connector is a device that joins network together. When two networks are connected, all of the computers on both networks are can exchange information. The most common types of connectors are bridges and routers.

Network Interface Cards

A Network Interface Card(NIC) is a device that physically connects to a network and controls the flow of information between the network and the computer. NICs are installed inside a computer. The edge of the network inteface card can be seen at the back of the computer. ANIC has a port where the network cable plugs in.

Written By : Ali Masood

Memory Upgrades for Vista Operating Systems

Now that Vista is officially out, many of you are dying to run out and buy it. I know that many will upgrade without first checking system requirements or system compatibility. This article is for you. When you try to install Vista, you may quickly find out that something will need to be upgraded. Most likely it will be RAM, video or both.

First we will look at memory. I am talking about system memory or RAM. Before we go further, my associate says I need to write about something more important. That is the peripherals, things like mice, cameras, scanners, printers. For most of these, you will find that there are no Vista compatible drivers available. The chain stores are going to be pushing Vista systems, but be patient and wait for the hardware to catch up. Here is where you will do better talking with your small neighborhood tech shops to find out if your computer will work with Vista.

For those who want to upgrade for Vista, additional memory may have to be installed. RAM (Random Access Memory) is used by the system to run applications. You can never have enough RAM. The current standard has been 512megs. But as the software becomes larger, system resources really become an issue. This is true with the new security suites like Norton or McAfee. Today, I would not consider a system with less then 1gig of RAM. You can run Vista on 512megs, but you would not be able to enjoy all the features and your system may perform very poorly.

To speed up your system and upgrade your RAM, you need to know a few details. You need to find out how much RAM you have, what type/speed, and how much your system will support. To find out how much, go to your START button, right click on My Computer, then select Properties. After the dialog box opens, look down to the bottom right. You will see information for the type and speed of the processor. There will also be a number indicating the amount of RAM installed. It will read 265, 512 or 1024 gigs.

On many of the mass produced machines, there may be an odd number like 448. That is because system memory is shared with the video. To find out the type and how much the system will support, check the system documentation. Check the specs in either the printed materials or check online. Sometimes there are stickers on the front. Look for something that reads like DDR XXX, (DDR400 for example), or PCXXX (PC3200 as another example).

If you have never done this, or are not comfortable opening your computer, you may want to get a service technician to install the RAM. They will still need all the above information. Now we can open the computer and install the memory.

1) Unplug the power on the computer. Most motherboards still are powered, even with the power switch off. So remove the plug completely. Ok, pull the power and unplug everything that is attached to the tower. Mark them if you need to, so you can put them back.

2) Lay the tower on the right side and remove the left side cover. Inside you will see many colored wires and cables. Carefully part these until you can get to the memory slots. They are called DIMM slots. There can be two or more depending on the motherboard. They will be located close to the processor (big metal fins with the fan motor). You will also see the existing memory stick.

3) On each end of the DIMM slots there is a white clip. Make sure they are pushed back to the opened position. Look at your new stick of RAM. You will see 1 or 2 notches. These will match up with dimples in the memory slot. Carefully line up the stick and firmly press it into the slot until you hear it snap into place. Now, secure the two locking clips and you are done.

4) Stand the system back up (leaving the cover off at this point). Plug in the mouse, keyboard and monitor. Plug in the power and fire the system up. One of 2 things will happen. If everything is alright, the system will boot like normal and you can watch the new amount of RAM count up on the screen. If this happens, then you are finished installing the RAM.

The second thing that could happen is the machine starts beeping and will not boot. Do not panic, all this means is that the RAM is not seated correctly. Simply shut it down and unplug the power. Remove the new stick of RAM and reseat it again making sure it snaps firmly into place. You may need to press a little harder than you think. Test the system again by rebooting. Once you are done, replace the cover, put the tower back, and attach all the accessories.

Let me just say again, if you are not comfortable opening and working on your computer then you will be better off letting a technician help you.

By: Chris Kaminski

Article Source: http://www.articlecamp.com

Types of Networks

There are many types of networks used by businesses and organizations. Since each business and organization has its own needs, each network is unique.

Network Size

The size of a network can often determine which type of network a business or organization should use. Different ways. For example, a network with over 1,000 users is organized differently and requires a variety of components not found on a network with only five users.

Network Cost

The Size and type of a network determine its cost. The larger the network, the more costly the network is to build, set up and maintain. In addition to needing extra hardware and cables, a larger network also requires specialized cabling and computers to link users and devices that are far apart.

Local Area Networks (LAN)

A Local Area Network (LAN) is the most common type of network found in businesses. Local Area Networks connect computers and devices located close to each other, such as in one building. Local Area Networks connect from as few as two computers to usually no more than 100 computers.

Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN)

A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is collection of LANs. Metropolitan Area Networks connect computers located in the same geographic area, such as a city or town. For example, a college may use a Metropolitan Area Network that connects the LAN on each campus throughout a city.

Wide Area Networks (WAN)

A Wide Area Network (WAN) connects Area Networks and Metropolitan Area Networks together. The networks that make up a Wide Area Network may be located throughout a country or even around the world. When a single company owns and controls a Wide Area Network, the Wide Area Network is often referred to as an enterprise network. The Internet is the largest Wide Area Network.

What is a Network?

A network is a group of connected computers that allow users to share information and equipment.

Network Size
A network can be any size. For Example, connecting two home computers so they can share data creates a simple network. Companies can have networks consisting of a few dozen computers or hundreds of computers. The Internet is the world,s largest network and connects millions of computers all over the world.

Logging On

Network users are usually required to identify themselves before they can gain access to the information on a network. This is known as logging on. Each user must enter a personalized user name and password to access a network. By keeping this information secret, users can prevent unauthorized people from accessing the network.

Sharing Information
You can use a network to share information with other people. Information can be ant form of data, such as a document created in a word processing program, a picture drawn in an imaging application or information from a database. Before networks, people often used floppy disks or any other storage device to exchange information between computers, which was a slow and unreliable process. With networks, exchanging information between computers is quick and easy.

Sharing Resources

Computers connected to a network can share equipment and devices, called resources. The ability to share resources the cost of buying computer hardware. For example, instead of having to buy a printer for each person on a network, everyone can share one central printer.

Sharing Programs

Networks allow people to access programs stored on a central computer, such a s a spreadsheet or word processing program. Individuals can use their own computers to access and work with the programs. By sharing a program, a company can avoid having to install a copy of the program on each person's computer.

Searching For The Free Software Directory

If you are constantly browsing the internet in order to find Download free software, you will have to take your time because its finding is not likely to be an easy task. Most business companies are likely to consider thus type of free payroll software as the perfect tool in order to increase their selling opportunities. This software should be regarded in a whole new light because it is not the perfect solution when there are some businesses involved along the process. The payroll software is used in order to process all the employee payrolls in an e3asier manner without having to worry about too many details. The software will also help the company in order to track the vacation time and tax withholding; there are plenty of benefits when it comes to using the Free software directory on a regular basis.

But if you are interested in finding a Download free software just for your personal use, you should be aware that this finding can be transformed into a daunting task in case that you do not provide yourself with all the available resource that are to be found on the internet. You will also have to make sure that you can rely on a particular program without being scared by the potential viruses that can be brought along when downloading a particular program.

For instance, you may search for the so called open source software that can provide you with all the programs you need for your personal computer; this software is normally free when it comes to its usage and all the source codes will also be available for you. These codes are available for every user who is interested in redistributing, modifying or using them for his personal needs. The user can also take advantage of the unlimited freedom when it comes to using these open sources; but they are plenty of people who remain quite reluctant to using the online open sources on a regular basis. The Free software directory is not to be regarded as a menace anymore; on the contrary, you should become fully aware of all its opportunities.

The traditional idea that states that a value of every piece of software is likely to depend on the price you pay in order to get it is totally wrong; this is simply not the case when it comes to the modern techniques that can be provided by the internet. The Download free software is to be use without having to worry about its value; it is going to work for sure because it is especially designed in order to provide quality services for every user who is confident enough in order to use it. The Free software directory is not likely to come along with inferior quality; on the contrary, the open source is to be trusted for its quality services because they can be even better than the ones being provided by the paid sources.

The open sources will allow the constant sharing of information as well; the computing community will be able to stay in close contact to everything that is likely to happen in the virtual world because it will take advantage of real freedom when it comes to customizing the already existing source codes. These changes will be performed according to the user’s preferences and every user should be aware that free does not stand for inferior. The Free software directory is to be used relied on because it can provide you with all the information you need.

The open source is also blamed for the opportunities that can be provided thanks to its services; people are not familiar with the concept of free usage. On the contrary, they are used to pay for all the intellectual rights n order to use a particular program. They are not likely to rely on an open source that is free because they do not trust this type of service that can actually spare their time and money if properly used. But sometimes the open source is not as free as you might think in the beginning; there are some cases when this source will have to advertise a certain company in order for the users to be able to take advantage of all its programs and source codes. The open source can also advertise a particular product in order to sell it to the visitors who are accessing the Free software directory on a regular basis.

Actually, nothing is likely to come completely free of any charge; even the simplest articles that are used in order to create the web content are not totally free because a company is likely to use them in order to advertise its services or products. However, you will have to learn to appreciate the quality things and you will not have to stay away from a particular directory that can be very helpful for you just because it is free of charge. You will have to learn how to trust the free directories that are offering downloads in order to enjoy things that are not likely to be available forever.

By: Ckint Jhonson
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

An Introduction To Storage Software

All businesses face the challenge of storing their data easily, inexpensively and in a timely fashion. Initially, companies used tape-based systems to store data. There is now a rapid change to disk-based systems. At the same time, there has been a change in the software that supports this function and manages the stored data.

With rising numbers of branch offices, servers and amounts of data, storage needs are continually increasing. Organisations need to invest in systems that will save and back up data. This is where storage software comes in. It performs a threefold task:

• It simplifies control and management of hardware resources (devices and networks).

• It assures backup, archival and recovery of data.

• It takes care of replication and copying of data as it is created or downloaded.

While older systems of storage were more time intensive, the newer ones are more investment intensive. Many new storage software tools aim to reduce the cost of disk-based storage to encourage adoption of the newer technology by all sizes of organisation. Some providers also offer hosted services that are more scalable and affordable for small and medium-sized businesses.

Most storage software solutions rely heavily on hardware options. The ideal combination is a system where the software and hardware work together for an optimal performance and high level of flexibility. Many software storage providers partner with hardware manufacturers such as Dell, IBM, Fujitsu and HP to offer solutions like this. Larger players have acquired storage specialists such as Veritas and StorageTek so that they can offer these services.

This consolidation is not necessarily a bad thing. It means that more established players will offer bundled products that include additional features such as content management systems within the storage software to allow integrated retrieval and archival processes.
By: Paul Howe
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com