Computer Systems and Networking Technologies

Table of Contents

1.0 - The hardware, Software and Peripheral Components of a computer system (C2)2

1.1 Introduction2

1.2 Hardware2

1.3 Software2

1.4 Peripheral Components2

1.5 Interdependence of hardware and network components3

2.0 - Networking System Types and Topologies4

2.1 - Introduction4

2.2 - Network System Types (including benefits and drawbacks)4

2.3 - Network System Topologies (including benefits and drawbacks)4

2.4 - Evaluation of the impact of current network technology6

2.5 - Discussion of how protocols enable different network systems6

3.0 Evaluation7

Computer Systems and Networking Technologies

- The hardware, Software and Peripheral Components of a computer system (C2)

1.1 Introduction

In this assignment, the task is to explain the different components of a computer system in particular the ones that are required for networking. It also discusses the interdependence of workstation hardware with network components.

1.2 Hardware

A very basic computer system requires a processor, memory, hard drive, and power. It is not only the presence of these systems but also the specifications of these hardware that determine how well the system will be working. These are the very basic requirements. Intel processors are one of the most reliable ones and most used, the size of the memory depends on the requirements of the operating system, and the size of hard drive for a good workable system should be at least 1.0 GB. The power should be surge protected (Bailey, 2004).

For a network, the basic hardware required is the Ethernet; Switches such as network interface cards and cables others. When considering this hardware, you have to look at specifications such as baseband; the type of cabling that will be required to set up the network, the required speed of the network and others.

1.3 Software

A very basic software required for a computer system is the operating system. Windows XP is the most commonly used operating system. The latest version of Windows, Windows 7 is also very good. Other than windows, for a very basic networking system, DOS and office package can also be used.

For maintaining the network and for file sharing, software is required. The users of the network share the software through the central server. Some of the software examples may be Resilient Network Software and Wireless Network Management Freeware (France, 2004). Routers or hubs are a very basic requirement of the networking system. The network can also make use of software that assigns permission to individual users. Because of this software, the administrator does not have to do the job of network permission (Bagad, 2007).

1.4 Peripheral Components

A peripheral device is something that is not required for the basic computer operations. Examples of peripheral devise may be CD rom, DVD rom etc. A peripheral device can be a software and it can also be a hardware. For instance, an example of a network peripheral devise which is also a hardware would be a shred printer. Six to eight people in an office may be sharing a single printer through a network. Peripheral devices also come in for people with disabilities. These may include software that enable speech input whereby ...