WEEK 6
FILE SHARING
File Sharing
Network file sharing is the process of copying data files from one computer to another using a live network connection.
Before the Internet and home networks became popular, data files were often shared using floppy disks. Nowadays, some people still use CD-ROM / DVD-ROM disks and USB sticks (Flash drives) for transferring their photos and videos, but networks give you more flexible options.
FTP File Transfers
This is a method of sharing files where a central computer called the FTP server holds all the files to be shared, while remote computers running FTP client software can log in to the server to obtain copies.
P2P – Peer to Peer File Sharing
Peer to peer (P2P) file sharing is a popular method for swapping large files on the Internet, particularly music and videos. Unlike FTP, most P2P file sharing systems do not use any central servers but instead allow all computers on the network to function both as a client and a server.
NETWORK
A computer network is a set of computers connected together for the purpose of sharing information and resources. Networks are used to provide easy access to information, thus increasing productivity for users.
Benefits of networking
There are three main benefits of a network
File Sharing
In a computer network, one can view, modify, and copy files stored on a different computer on the network just as easily as if they were stored on your computer.
Resource Sharing
Resources such as printers, fax machines, Storage Devices (HDD, FDD and CD Drives), Webcam, Scanners, Modem and many more devices can be shared in a network.
Program Sharing
One can also share programs on a network. For example programs such as Microsoft Office, can be shared by computers in the network.
Types of Networks
Local Area Networks
Local area network (LANs) is a type of network connected within a very close geographic area, such as a floor of a building.
Metropolitan Area Networks
This is a large computer network which extends to a city or town or a community.
Wide Area Networks
This is a computer network in which the computers connected may be far apart. This network could exist between a city and another city, or even between two countries.
Intranet
An intranet is basically a network that is local to a company. In other words, users from within this company can find all of their resources without having to go outside of the company.
Extranet
An extranet is an extended intranet, where certain internal services are made available to known external users or business partners at remote locations.
EXERCISE
1. Define file sharing
2. Explain the term Network