A network is a collection or set of computing devices connected to build communication. The network will consist of software and hardware. You can have a network even if they are not connected to the Internet. People can transfer files from one location to another and communicate with one another in the smallest amount of time. It is all possible due to computer networks.
What is a Computer Network?
The network computer is a telecommunications channel that uses it so that we can share data with computers or other devices connected to the same network. This is also called a data network.
The Internet is the most well-known example of a computer network.
The computer network does not refer to a system having a master control unit that is slaved to numerous other systems. It is not a computer network but rather a distributed system.
What is Computer Networking?
Computer networking refers to the exchange of data between connected computing devices and a growing number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices that are all connected to the Internet and communicate with one another.
What is the Application of a Computer Network?
The application of computer network is a network software application that utilizes the Internet or other network hardware infrastructure to perform useful functions such as transferring files in the network. They assist us in transferring data from one location to another within a network.
Understanding the Application of Computer Networks
There are two types of applications of computer networks:
- Pure network application
- Stand-alone network application
Pure network application
It is an application that has been designed for usage in a network; running pure network apps on a single machine is not a good idea. They assist us in the transport of data and the communication of information via a network. Such applications have separate and different user interfaces. Here are some examples.
1. E-mail program
It enables users to type messages on their local nodes and then send them to someone else on the network through the network. It is a fast and easy way to transfer letters from one computer to another. The following are examples of electronic mail programs (clients):
- Pegasus Mail
- Outlook Express
- Eudora mail
- Foxmail
- Opera
- Pocomail
- Mozilla Thunderbird
- Windows Mail
2. File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
This program makes it easier to transfer files from one computer to another, such as from clients to the server. In FTP, there are two main processes at work. Examples of FTP programs are FTP in UNIX, FTP on Linux, FTP in Windows, etc.
- Download: This is the process of transferring files from a server to a workstation or a client computer system (for example, when you download programs and music from the server).
- Uploading: This is getting a file from the workstation to the server (for example, when you attach a document and upload it to the server, a good example is when you upload photos to Facebook).
3. Terminal Emulation (Telnet)
It allows the workstation to access the server for application programs. It allows you to control the server and communicate with other servers on the network. Workstations appear as down terminals that are directly attached to the server. Users feel like using the server directly. Telnet allows PC and workstation to function as a mute terminal in a session with hosts on the inter-network.
4. Groupware
This application automates administrative functions from modern offices for video conferencing and chatting. They facilitate group work to increase productivity. They can be used to communicate, work together, coordinate, solve problems, compete, and negotiate.
- Video Conference: This is the process of conducting conferences between two or more participants on various sites using computer networks to send audio and video data. For example, the point-to-point video conference system (two people) functions as a video telephone. Each participant has a video camera, microphone, and speaker installed on the computer.
When both participants talk to each other, their voices are brought through the network and sent to other speakers, and any image that appears in front of the video camera appears in the window on the other participant’s monitor.
- Chatting: This is real-time communication between two users through the computer. After the chat starts, the user can enter text by typing on the keyboard, and the text will appear on the other user’s monitor. Both must be online for a chat to be initiated. Most networks and online services offer chat features that allow users to chat when they continue their work.
Stand-alone Application
It is an application that runs on a stand-alone computer (the computer is not connected to the other). They are built to run in the network environment, e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, and database management systems, to expand their activities. If the computer is not connected, it will still work.
Some stand-alone applications are
- VLC Media Player
- Adobe Photoshop
- Notepad ++
- Word Processing
- Spreadsheets
- Database Management System
- Graphics presentation
- Project management
Pros and Cons of stand-alone software
The stand-alone software is usually superior in giving you what you need at a detailed level. It is because the software is designed with a strict focus on certain problems and solutions. Bundle software or companies often combine several types of functions. It is sometimes done well but also can suffer because of trying to do too many things at once without giving depth to one of them.
Stand-alone software can be problematic if you switch software or enter information into other software packages. This software is built for its use, not as an add-on to other software, so trying to integrate it will be clumsy and uncomfortable.
Regarding financial programs, stand-alone software also does not have the comfort of services connected to the Internet that can automatically attract data such as account transactions or stock offers.
Computer Network Application
- Share resources such as printers
- Sharing software and expensive databases
- Communication from one computer to another computer
- Data exchange and information between users over the network
- Share information about various fields geographically
Home Application from Computer Networks
- Access to remote information
- Communication of people-to-people
- Interactive entertainment
- Electronic trade
Other Applications of Computer Networks
- Marketing and sales
- Financial service
- CAD, CAM, etc.
- Information service
- Cellphone
- Television cable
- Teleconferencing
- Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
- Directory services
- E-mail etc.
Advantages of Applications of Computer Networks
- In terms of information security, computer networks provide greater opportunities.
- Almost everyone can benefit from computer networks.
- Computer networks offer a personalized experience.
- You can increase the potential of computer networks.
- Almost anyone can use a computer to make network experiences.
- A computer network makes it easier to collaborate on the project.
- Information sharing is made simple by this technology.
- Computer networks can transfer very large file sizes in seconds.
- We have the opportunity to learn because of computer networks.
- Entrepreneurs can generate money as a result of computer networks.
- Computer networks assist us to be more effective with our time since they allow us to share resources.
- There are many ways to save money with computer networks.
- Computer networks can share a single Internet connection.
- It gives people the opportunity to solve problems creatively.
Disadvantages of Applications of Computer Networks
- Computer networks can result in various disorders.
- Computer networks require specific settings to be useful.
- People can stop relying on their memories because of computer networks.
- National legislation has not followed the activities of modern computer networks.
- Computer networks change our perspectives about the balance of work life.
- There are several ways to exploit computer network vulnerabilities.
- You may lose access to your information in a short period.
- One computer can cause problems for the entire network.
- The computer network causes us to put all our eggs in one basket.
Conclusion
With minimal effort, computer network applications help us save money, share data, and stay connected with the people we care about most.
It is a tool that allows us to foster business opportunities or play agricultural simulation games. Everyone can use a network in whatever way is best for their needs at a certain time.
When we evaluate the computer network as a whole, it is clear that we must take steps to protect ourselves. Moreover, our technology is only as good as a programmer that makes the software we use to access data or communities. Hence, when we are ready for potential problems, the solution we make can take our productivity to countless heights.