Understanding OS, Networks, Software: OS, LAN, WAN, Utilities, Internet, Lecture notes of Introduction to Computers

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Module 3

SOFTWARE, NETWORK AND USING COMPUTER AND

MANAGING FILES- 1

Software  Softwareis a collection of instructions that enable the user to interact with a computer, its hardware, or perform tasks.  Without software, computers would be useless. For example, without your Internet browser, you could not surf the Internet or read this page

Operating System Common desktop operating systems include Windows, OS X, and Linux. While each OS is different, most provide a graphical user interface, or GUI, that includes a desktop and the ability to manage files and folders. They also allow you to install and run programs written for the operating system. Windows and Linux can be installed on standard PC hardware, while OS X is designed to run on Apple systems. Therefore, the hardware you choose affects what operating system(s) you can run.

Network Operating System A network operating system is an operating system designed for the sole purpose of supporting workstations, database sharing, application sharing and file and printer access sharing among multiple computers in a network. Certain standalone operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows NT and Digital’s OpenVMS, come with multipurpose capabilities and can also act as network operating systems. Some of the most well-known network operating systems include Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Linux and Mac OS X.

Application Software Application software is a program or group of programs designed for end users. These programs are divided into two classes: system software and application software. While system software consists of low- level programs that interact with computers at a basic level, application software resides above system software and includes database programs, word processors, spreadsheets, etc. Application software may be grouped along with system software or published alone

Computer Network A computer network is a group of computer systems and other computing hardware devices that are linked together through communication channels to facilitate communication and resource-sharing among a wide range of users. Networks are commonly categorized based on their characteristics.

There are many types of networks, including: Local Area Networks (LAN) Personal Area Networks (PAN) Home Area Networks (HAN) Wide Area Networks (WAN) Campus Networks Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN) Enterprise Private Networks Internetworks Backbone Networks (BBN) Global AreaNetworks (GAN) The Internet Computer Network

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a wireless distribution method for two or more devices that use high-frequency radio waves and often include an access point to the Internet. A WLAN allows users to move around the coverage area, often a home or small office, while maintaining a network connection.

WideAreaNetwork (WAN) A wide area network (WAN) is a network that exists over a large-scale geographical area. A WAN connects different smaller networks, including local area networks (LAN) and metro area networks (MAN). This ensures that computers and users in one location can communicate with computers and users in other locations. WAN implementation can be done either with the help of the public transmission system or a private network.

Internet The internet is an informal term for the world-wide communication network of computers. It sends information quickly between computers around the world. The World Wide Web is one of its biggest services. It is used by a few billion people all over the world. The internet is used for many things, such as electronic mail, online chat, file transfer, and the interlinked web pages and other documents of the World Wide Web.

Intranet An Intranet is a secure and private enterprise network that shares data o application resources via Internet Protocol (IP). An Intranet differs from the Internet, which is a public network. Intranet, which refers to an enterprise’s internal website or partial IT infrastructure, may host more than one private website and is a critical component for internal communication and collaboration.

Data Transfer – Uploading and Downloading Uploadingmeansdata is beingsent fromyourcomputertotheinternet. E.g. Sendinge-mail, postingphotostosocialmedia. Downloadingmeansyourcomputeris receivingdata fromtheInternet. E.g. Openinga web page, receivingan e-mail

Connection Types A dial-up connection uses a standard phone line and analog modem to access the Internet at data transfer rates (DTR) of up to 56 Kbps. A dial-up connection is the least expensive way to access the Internet, but it also slowest connection.