CSE 101- Principles of Computing

Mekelle Institute of Technology

2015

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 Chapter one
Contents
• Computers, parts of computers and their roles
• Data and Networking
• Operating systems
• Accounts
• Command prompt
• Command options and arguments
• DOS and Unix common commands
• The Job of the Shell

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 Goals of the chapter
After completing lesson, you will be able to:
• Describe the importance of computers in today’s world.
• Identify the main parts of a computer.

• Identify the primary hardware components of a computer.

• Define an operating system and its role.
• Define the term program.
• Explain what is meant by data.
• Define the term network, and identify the benefits of networking.
• Define the term Internet.
• Exercise common Unix commands

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 The Role of Computers

• In Business and Industry

• In Publication Field

• In Education Field

• In Government Organizations

• In Medical Field

• In Science Field

• In Entertainment Field

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 Parts of a Computer

1. Input Devices (Keyboard, Mouse, etc.)

2. Output Devices (Monitor, Speakers, etc.)

3. Central Processing Unit (CPU) and memory

4. Motherboard (Circuit Board)

5. Expansion Cards (Video Card, Sound Card, or NIC)

6. Hard Drive Ports and Connections (USB, Firewire, etc.)

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 Basic Personal Computer System

A computer system consists of hardware and software components.

Hardware is the physical equipment such as the case, storage drives,
keyboards, monitors, cables, speakers, and printers.

Software is the operating
system and programs.

The operating system
instructs the computer how
to operate.

Programs or applications
perform different functions.

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 Computer Cases and Power
Supplies
Computer case
• Provides protection and support for internal components
• Should be durable, easy to service, and have enough room
for expansion
Power supply
• Converts AC power from the
wall socket into DC
• Must provide enough power
for the installed components
and future additions

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 Power Supplies

• The power supply converts alternating-

current (AC) power coming from a wall
outlet into direct-current (DC) power, which
is a lower voltage.
• DC power is required for all of the
components inside the computer.
• Cables, connectors, and
components are designed
to fit together comfortably.
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Never force any connector or component.
 Four Basic Units of Electricity
• Voltage (V) is a measure of the force required to push electrons
through a circuit. Voltage is measured in volts. A computer power
supply usually produces several different voltages.
• Current (I) is a measure of the amount of electrons going through a
circuit. Current is measured in amperes, or amps (A). Computer power
supplies deliver different amperages for each output voltage.
• Power (P) is voltage multiplied by current. The measurement is called
watts (W). Computer power supplies are rated in watts.
• Resistance (R) is the opposition to the flow of current in a circuit.
Resistance is measured in ohms. Lower resistance allows more current
to flow through a circuit.
• Formulas
– V = IR
– P = VI

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 Power Supplies

CAUTION: Do not open

a power supply.
Electronic capacitors
located inside of a
power supply can
hold a charge for
extended periods of
time.
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 Internal Components

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 Motherboards
• The main printed circuit board.
• Contains the buses, or electrical
pathways found in a computer.
Buses allow data to travel
among the various components.
• Also known as the system board,
the backplane, or the main board.
• Accommodates CPU, RAM, expansion slots, heat sink/fan
assembly, BIOS chip, chip set, sockets, internal and external
connectors, various ports, and the embedded wires that
interconnect the motherboard components.
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 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• Known as the brain of the computer. Also

referred to as the processor.
• Most important element of a computer
system.
• Executes a program, which is a sequence of
stored instructions.

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 Parts of a Computer
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• A device that interprets and runs the commands that you
give to the computer.

• Also referred to as the processor.

• Two major brands are Intel and AMD.

• Examples: Intel Core 2 Duo, AMD Turion X2

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 Cooling Systems
• Electronic components generate
heat. Too much heat can damage
components.
• A case fan makes the cooling
process more efficient.
Case Fan • A heat sink draws heat away from
the core of the CPU. A fan on top
CPU Fan of the heat sink moves the heat
away from the CPU.
• Fans are dedicated to cool the
Graphics-processing unit (GPU).

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 Parts of a Computer
Memory

• Memory is where information is stored and retrieved

by the CPU.

• There are two main types of memory:

– Random Access Memory (RAM): It is the main
memory and allows you to temporarily store
commands and data.

– Read Only Memory (ROM):

(ROM): It is the memory that
retains its contents even after the computer is
turned off.

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 Read-only Memory (ROM)

Basic instructions for booting the computer and loading the
operating system are stored in ROM.
ROM
ROM Types Description
Types
Information is written to a ROM chip when it is
ROM Read-only memory chips manufactured. A ROM chip cannot be erased or
re-written and can become obsolete.

Information is written to a PROM chip after it is

Programmable read-only
PROM manufactured. A PROM chip cannot be erased
memory or re-written.
Information is written to an EPROM chip after it
Erasable programmable is manufactured. An EPROM chip can be erased
EPROM with exposure to UV light. Special equipment is
read-only memory
required.

Information is written to an EEPROM chip after

Electrically erasable it is manufactured. EEPROM chips are also
EEPROM programmable read-only called Flash ROMs. An EEPROM chip can be
memory erased and re-written without having to remove
the chip from the computer.
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 Serial Ports and Cables
• A serial port can be either a DB-9,
as shown, or a DB-25 male
connector.
• Serial ports transmit one bit of
data at a time.
• To connect a serial device, such
as a modem or printer, a serial
cable must be used.
• A serial cable has a maximum
length of 50 feet (15.2 m).

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 Parallel Ports and Cables

• Parallel ports can transmit 8

bits of data at one time and
use the IEEE 1284 standard.
• To connect a parallel
device, such as a printer, a
parallel cable must be used.
• A parallel cable has a
maximum length of 15 feet
(4.5 m).

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 Network Ports and Cables
• A network port, also known as an RJ-45 port, connects a
computer to a network.
• Standard Ethernet can transmit up to 10 Mbps.
• Fast Ethernet can transmit up to 100 Mbps.
• Gigabit Ethernet can transmit up to 1000 Mbps.
• The maximum length of network cable is 328 feet (100
m).

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 Input Devices Fingerprint scanner

Input devices used to enter data or

instructions into a computer:
• Mouse and Keyboard
• Digital camera and digital video
camera
• Biometric authentication device
Digital camera
• Touch screen
• Scanner
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 Other Output Devices
• Printers, Scanners, and Fax Machines - Printers are output devices
that create hard copies of computer files. Other all-in-one type
printers are designed to provide multiple services such as printing,
fax, and copier functions.
• Speakers and headphones are output devices for audio signals.
– Most computers have audio support either integrated into the
motherboard or on an adapter card.
– Audio support includes ports that allow input and output of audio
signals.

Headphones
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Speakers
 Operating System Overview
• What is OS?
• What does OS do?
• Structure of OS
• Storage Structure
• Multiprogramming
• OS services
• User OS interfaces
• Computing environment
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 What is OS?
 Operating System is a software, which makes a computer to
actually work.

 It is the software the enables all the programs we use.

 The OS organizes and controls the hardware.

 OS acts as an interface between the application programs and

the machine hardware.

 Examples: Windows, Linux, Unix and Mac OS, etc.,

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 What OS does?

An operating system performs basic tasks such as,

 controlling and allocating memory,

 prioritizing system requests,
 controlling input and output devices,
 facilitating networking and
 managing file systems.

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 Structure of Operating System:
Application Programs

System Programs

Software (Operating System)

HARDWARE

(Contd…)

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Structure of Operating System (Contd…):

 The structure of OS consists of 4 layers:

1. Hardware

• provides basic computing resources such as

CPU, Main memory, I/O Devices, etc,

2. Software (Operating System)

•Controls and coordinates use of hardware

among various applications and users

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Structure of Operating System (Contd…):
3. System programs: or System Software are the
programs which enable the computer hardware or
system to run (without these the computer as a
whole or parts of it's functionality would not
work).
• The programs and the file that comprises the
operating system are called system software.
These files include configuration files, system
preferences, system services, libraries of
functions and the drivers for the hardware
installed on the computer.
Examples include the operating system, device
drivers.
• This layer consists of compilers, Assemblers, linker
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Structure of Operating System (Contd…):
4.Application programs–or Application Software
are the programs written to for specific
applications or execution of specific tasks. e.g.
Microsoft Word is an application software for
word processing. Internet Explorer and Mozilla
Firefox are application software written for
internet browsing. Computer games are also
application programs.
• Define the ways in which the system
resources are used to solve the computing
problems of the users:
• Word processor, web browsers,
database systems, video games
This is dependent on users need. Ex. Railway
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reservation system, Bank database management 29
etc.,
 Open vs Closed Source operating systems
•Linux is the most well known Open Source OS and Windows is
the most well known Closed Source OS. So what does this mean?
•Open Source programs are programs where you can see the
code (the source), you can edit it, copy it and use as you wish
within the confines of an open source license.
•As a result of this Linux is not developed by one person or
one company but uses code developed by thousands of
people, working for different organizations all over the world.
•And as a result there are many different versions (known as
distributions) of Linux out there including Ubuntu, Slackware
and Fedora.
•Android is built using Linux code.

•Closed Source software doesn't allow people to look at the code

or adapt it. Companies normally sell closed source products and
you'll have to pay for a copy of Windows.
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 Home Work
1. What is utility software? Give examples?
2. What is the purpose of translator software, give full definitions of the following
translator soft-wares.
•Assembler
•Compiler
•Interpreter
•Linker
•Loader
3. State which program goes with the definition? System program or application
program?
a) Gets installed when the operating Program type?
system is installed on the computer

b) Users often do not interact with system

software
c) Includes programs such as compilers,
debuggers, drivers, assemblers

d) Includes media players, word

processors, and spreadsheet programs.
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 Four Components of a Computer System

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 Computer Startup
– There is a program on the motherboard called the
system BIOS(Basic I/O System)
– BIOS contains low-level I/O software including:
• Procedures to read the keyboard
• Procedures to write to the screen
• See how much RAM is installed

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 Computer Startup
• The bootstrap program is loaded at power-up or
reboot
– Typically stored in ROM or EPROM, generally
known as firmware
– Initializes all aspects of system
– Loads operating system kernel and starts
execution
– It is the initial program run when a computer is
powered on or booted

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 Computer System Organization
• Computer-system operation
– One or more CPUs, device controllers connect
through common bus providing access to shared
memory
– Concurrent execution of CPUs and devices
competing for memory cycles

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 Computer-System Operation
• I/O devices and the CPU can execute concurrently.
• Each device controller is in charge of a particular device type.
• Each device controller has a local buffer.
• CPU moves data from/to main memory to/from local buffers
• I/O is from the device to local buffer of controller.
• Device controller informs CPU that it has finished its operation
by causing an interrupt.

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 Storage Structure
• Main memory – The only large storage media that
the CPU can access directly.
• Secondary storage – extension of main memory that
provides large nonvolatile storage capacity.
• Magnetic disks – rigid metal or glass platters covered
with magnetic recording material

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 Storage Hierarchy
• Storage systems are organized in hierarchy.
– Speed
– Cost
– Volatility
• Caching – copying information into faster storage
system; main memory can be viewed as a last cache
for secondary storage.

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 Storage-Device Hierarchy

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 Caching
• Important principle, performed at many levels in a computer
(in hardware, operating system, software)
• Information in use copied from slower to faster storage
temporarily
• Faster storage (cache) checked first to determine if
information is there
– If it is, information used directly from the cache (fast)
– If not, data copied to cache and used there
• Cache smaller than storage being cached
– Cache management important design problem
– Cache size and replacement policy
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 Performance of Various Levels of Storage

• Movement between levels of storage

hierarchy can be explicit or implicit

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 Multiprogramming

 Multiprogramming is a technique to execute number of

programs simultaneously by a single processor.
 In Multiprogramming, number of processes reside in main
memory at a time.
 The OS picks and begins to executes one of the jobs in the
main memory.
 If any I/O wait happened in a process, then CPU switches from
that job to another job.
 Hence CPU in not idle at any time.

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 Multiprogramming (Contd…)
OS • Figure
dipicts the layout of
multiprogramming system.
Job 1
• The main memory consists of 5
Job 2 jobs at a time, the CPU executes
one by one.
Job 3 Advantages:
Job 4 •Efficient memory utilization

Job 5 •Throughput increases

•CPU is never idle, so performance
increases.
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 Time Sharing Systems

 Time sharing, or multitasking, is a logical extension of

multiprogramming.
 Multiple jobs are executed by switching the CPU between
them.
 In this, the CPU time is shared by different processes, so it is
called as “Time sharing Systems”.
 Time slice is defined by the OS, for sharing CPU time between
processes.
 Examples: Multics, Unix, etc.,

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 Operating System Services
• One set of operating-system services provides functions that are helpful
to the user:
– User interface - Almost all operating systems have a user interface (UI)
• Varies between Command-Line (CLI), Graphics User Interface
(GUI), Batch
– Program execution - The system must be able to load a program into
memory and to run that program, end execution, either normally or
abnormally (indicating error)
– I/O operations - A running program may require I/O, which may
involve a file or an I/O device.
– File-system manipulation - The file system is of particular interest.
Obviously, programs need to read and write files and directories,
create and delete them, search them, list file Information, permission
management.

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 Operating System Services (Cont.)
• One set of operating-system services provides functions that are helpful
to the user (Cont):
– Communications – Processes may exchange information, on the same
computer or between computers over a network
• Communications may be via shared memory or through message
passing (packets moved by the OS)
– Error detection – OS needs to be constantly aware of possible errors
• May occur in the CPU and memory hardware, in I/O devices, in
user program
• For each type of error, OS should take the appropriate action to
ensure correct and consistent computing
• Debugging facilities can greatly enhance the user’s and
programmer’s abilities to efficiently use the system

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 Operating System Services (Cont.)
• Another set of OS functions exists for ensuring the efficient operation of the
system itself via resource sharing
– Resource allocation - When multiple users or multiple jobs running
concurrently, resources must be allocated to each of them
• Many types of resources - Some (such as CPU cycles, main memory, and
file storage) may have special allocation code, others (such as I/O
devices) may have general request and release code.
– Accounting - To keep track of which users use how much and what kinds of
computer resources
– Protection and security - The owners of information stored in a multiuser or
networked computer system may want to control use of that information,
concurrent processes should not interfere with each other
• Protection involves ensuring that all access to system resources is
controlled
• Security of the system from outsiders requires user authentication,
extends to defending external I/O devices from invalid access attempts
• If a system is to be protected and secure, precautions must be instituted
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 User Operating System Interface - CLI
CLI allows direct command entry
• Sometimes implemented in kernel,
sometimes by systems program
• Sometimes multiple flavors implemented
– shells
• Primarily fetches a command from user
and executes it
–Sometimes commands built-in,
sometimes just names of programs
»If the latter, adding new features
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doesn’t require shell modification 48
 User Operating System Interface - GUI
• User-friendly desktop metaphor interface
– Usually mouse, keyboard, and monitor
– Icons represent files, programs, actions, etc
– Various mouse buttons over objects in the interface cause various
actions (provide information, options, execute function, open
directory (known as a folder)
– Invented at Xerox PARC
• Many systems now include both CLI and GUI interfaces
– Microsoft Windows is GUI with CLI “command” shell
– Apple Mac OS X as “Aqua” GUI interface with UNIX kernel underneath
and shells available
– Solaris is CLI with optional GUI interfaces (Java Desktop, KDE)

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 User Operating System Interface

Command Line Interface (CLI):
Graphical User Interface (GUI):

The user types commands at a
The user interacts with menus and
prompt. icons.

Most operating systems include both a GUI and a CLI.

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 Compare Operating Systems
Terms often used when comparing operating systems:
• Multi-user – Two or more users can work with programs
and share peripheral devices, such as printers, at the same
time.
• Multi-tasking – The computer is capable of operating
multiple applications at the same time.
• Multi-processing – The computer can have two or more
central processing units (CPUs) that programs share.
• Multi-threading – A program can be broken into smaller
parts that can be loaded as needed by the operating
system. Multi-threading allows individual programs to be
multi-tasked.

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 Operating System Requirements

• Operating systems require a certain amount of hardware resources.

• These resources are specified by the manufacturer and include such things as:
– Amount of RAM
– Hard disk space required
– Processor type and speed
– Video resolution

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 .. Continued
• To take advantage of all of the features provided by an OS,
additional hardware resources such as sound cards, NICs,
modems, microphones, and speakers are generally
required.
• Many of the OS developers test various hardware devices
and certify that they are compatible with the operating
system.
• Always confirm that the hardware has been certified to
work with the operating system before purchasing and
installing it.

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 How to select an operating system

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Installation of an Operating System
• An OS is installed in a defined section of the hard disk, called a disk
partition.
• There are various methods for installing an OS.
• The method selected for installation is based on the system hardware,
the OS being installed, and user requirements.
• There are four basic options available for the installation of a new OS:

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 … Continued
Clean Install
• A clean install is done on a new system or in cases where no upgrade
path exists between the current OS and the one being installed.
• It deletes all data on the partition where the OS is installed and requires
application software to be reinstalled.
• A clean install is also performed when the existing OS installation has
become damaged in some way.
Upgrade
• If staying within the same OS platform, it is often possible to do an
upgrade.
• With an upgrade, system configuration settings, applications and data
are preserved.
• It simply replaces the old OS files with the new OS files.

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 … Continued
Multi-boot
• It is possible to install more than one OS on a computer to create a multi-boot
system.
• Each OS is contained within its own partition and can have its own files and
configuration settings.
• On start-up, the user is presented with a menu to select the desired OS.
• Only one OS can run at a time and it has full control of the hardware.
Virtualization
• Virtualization is a technique that is often deployed on servers.
• It enables multiple copies of an OS to be run on a single set of hardware, thus
creating many virtual machines.
• Each virtual machine can be treated as a separate computer.
• This enables a single physical resource to appear to function as multiple logical
resources.

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 Preparing for OS installation
A pre-installation checklist helps ensure that the installation process is
successful.
1. Verify that all hardware is certified to work with the selected OS.
2. Verify that the hardware resources meet or exceed the published
minimum requirements.
3. Confirm that the appropriate installation medium is available. Current
operating systems are usually available on both CD and DVD medium.
4. If the OS is to be installed on a system that already contains data: (a)
Use system diagnostic tools and utilities to ensure the current OS
installation is in good condition, free of malicious or damaging files
and codes;
(b) Complete a full backup of all important files.
5. If performing a clean-install, verify that all application software is
available for installation.

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 … Continued
• Before starting the installation, it is necessary to determine the
partition structure that best meets user requirements.
• One of the techniques available to help protect data is to divide the
hard drive into multiple partitions. usually 1 for data 1 for the OS)
• It is also necessary to determine the type of file system to use.
• A file system is the method the OS uses to keep track of the files.
• Commonly used file systems include FAT 16/32, NTFS, HPFS, ext2, ext3.
• Each OS is designed to work with one or more of these file system types
and each file system type offers specific advantages.
• Careful consideration should be made to the type of file systems
supported by the selected OS and the benefits of each.

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 Prepare a computer to participate in a network

• Once an OS is installed, the computer can be configured to

participate in a network; that means it would be given it an
address to be identified.
• A network is a group of devices, such as computers, that are
connected to each other for the purposes of sharing information
and resources.
• Shared resources can include printers, documents and Internet
access connections.

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 … Continued
• To physically connect to a network, a computer must have a network
interface card (NIC).
• The NIC is a piece of hardware that allows a computer to connect to the
network medium.
• In addition to the physical connection, some configuration of the
operating system is required for the computer to participate in the
network.
• Each computer on a network requires an Internet Protocol (IP) address,
as well as other information, to identify it.
• There are three parts to the IP configuration, which must be correct for
the computer to send and receive information on the network:
– IP address - identifies the computer on the network.
– Subnet mask - is used to identify the network on which the computer is
connected.
– Default gateway - identifies the device that the computer uses to access
the Internet or another network.

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 … Continued
• Manual IP Configuration :- The IP address entered is
referred to as a static address and is permanently assigned to that
computer using a Keyboard.

• Dynamic IP Configuration :- Set up a computer to

receive network address dynamically. This allows a computer to request
an IP address from a pool of IP addresses assigned by another device
within the network (DHCP)

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 Computer naming
• In addition to the IP address, some network operating systems make use of
names.
• In this environment each individual system must have a unique name assigned
to it.
• A computer name provides a user friendly name, making it easier for users to
connect to shared resources such as folders and printers on other computers.

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 Networking and Its Benefits
• New technologies create a new kind of network that delivers more
than a single type of service.
• Unlike dedicated networks, these new converged networks are capable
of delivering voice, video and data services over the same
communication channel or network structure.

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 Networking and Its Benefits
• Networks come in all sizes. They can range from simple networks
consisting of two computers, to networks connecting millions of
devices.

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 Networking and Its Benefits
• In business, large networks can be used to advertise and sell products, order
supplies, and communicate with customers.
• Communication over a network is usually more efficient and less expensive
than traditional forms of communication, such as regular mail or long distance
phone calls.
• The Internet is considered a "network of networks" because it is
literally made up of thousands of networks that are connected to each
other.
Here are other uses of a network and the Internet:
– Sharing music and video files
– Research and on-line learning
– Chatting with friends
– Planning vacations
– Purchasing gifts and supplies

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 Components of a network
• There are many components that can be part of a network, for example
personal computers, servers, networking devices, and cabling.
• These components can be grouped into four main categories:
– Hosts
– Shared peripherals
– Networking devices
– Networking media

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 Continued…
• Hosts are devices that send and receive messages directly across the
network.
• Shared peripherals are not directly connected to the network, but
instead are connected to hosts. The host is then responsible for sharing
the peripheral across the network. Hosts have computer software
configured to enable people on the network to use the attached
peripheral devices.
• The network devices, as well as networking media, are used to
interconnect hosts.
• Some devices can play more than one role, depending on how they are
connected.
• For example, a printer directly connected to a host (local printer) is a
peripheral. A printer directly connected to a network device and
participates directly in network communications is a host.
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 The role of host computers
• In modern networks, computer hosts can act as a client, a server, or both.
• The software installed on the computer determines which role the computer
plays.
• Servers are hosts that have software installed that enable them to provide
information, like email or web pages, to other hosts on the network.
• For example, a host requires web server software in order to provide web
services to the network.
• Clients are computer hosts that have software installed that enable them to
request and display the information obtained from the server.
• An example of client software is a web browser, like Internet Explorer.

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 Peer-to-peer networks
• Client and server software usually runs
on separate computers, but it is also
possible for one computer to carry out
both roles at the same time.
• This type of network is called a peer-to-
peer network.
• The simplest peer-to-peer network
consists of two directly connected
computers using a wired or wireless
connection.
• Multiple PCs can also be connected to
create a larger peer-to-peer network but
this requires a network device, such as a
hub.

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 Network Topologies
• When networks are installed, a physical topology map is created to record
where each host is located and how it is connected to the network.
• The physical topology map also shows where the wiring is installed and the
locations of the networking devices that connect the hosts.
• It is very important to maintain and update physical topology maps to aid
future installation and troubleshooting efforts.
• it is sometimes necessary to also have a logical view of the network topology.
• A logical topology map groups hosts by how they use the network, no matter
where they are physically located. Host names, addresses, group information
and applications can be recorded on the logical topology map.

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 Concept of communication (source, destination and
channel)
• All communication methods have three elements in common; the
message source, or sender like are people, or electronic devices, that
need to communicate a message to other individuals or devices. The
second element of communication is the destination, or receiver. A
third element, called a channel, provides the pathway over which the
message can travel from source to destination.

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 What is the Internet
• The Internet is a network of networks that connects users in every country in
the world. There are currently over one billion Internet users worldwide.
• Up to now the networks we have discussed have been controlled by one
individual or organization. The Internet is a conglomerate of networks and is
owned by no one individual or group.
• There are, however, several major International organizations that help
manage the Internet so that everyone uses the same rules.

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 Internet Service Providers (ISP)
• Any home, business or organization that wants to connect to the Internet must
use an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
• An ISP is a company that provides the connections and support to access the
Internet. It can also provide additional services such as Email and web hosting.
• ISPs range in size from small to very large and differ in terms of the area they
service (they may service an entire country)
• ISPs also differ in the types of connection technologies and speeds they offer.
Examples of well known ISPs include AOL, EarthLink, and Roadrunner.

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 The ISPs relation with the internet

• Describe how you connect to the Internet

through the ISP and the ISP’s relationship to
the Internet

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The ISPs relation with the internet
• Individual computers and local networks connect to the ISP at a Point
of Presence (POP).
• A POP is the connection point between the ISP's network and the
particular geographical region that the POP is servicing.
• An ISP may have many POPs depending on its size and the area it
services.
• Within an ISP, a network of high-speed routers and switches with
multiple links move data between the various POPs.
• ISPs connect to other ISPs in order to send information beyond the
boundaries of their own network.
• The Internet is made up of very high-speed data links that interconnect
ISP POPs and ISPs to each other.
• These interconnections are part of the very large, high capacity
network known as the Internet Backbone.

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 Options for connecting to the ISP

• ISPs provide a variety of ways to connect to the Internet, depending on

location and desired connection speed.

Choices for
connection:
•Dial-Up
•DSL
•Satellite
•Cable modem
•Leased line

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 Options for connecting to the ISP
• Each Internet access technology uses a network access device, such as
a modem, in order to connect to the ISP.
• It may be built in to your computer or may be provided by the ISP.
• The simplest arrangement is a modem that provides a direct
connection between a computer and the ISP.

• However, if multiple computers connect through a single ISP

connection, you will need additional networking devices.
• This includes a switch to connect multiple hosts on a local network, and
a router to move packets from your local network to the ISP network.
• A home networking device, such as an integrated router, can provide
these functions, as well as wireless capability, in a single package.
• The choice of Internet access technologies depends on availability, cost,
access device used, media used and the speed of the connection.

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 Home Work2
1. Write a note and differentiate the following networking devices?
– Router
– Switch
– Hub
– Bridge
2. What is the difference between hard ware (MAC) address and IP
address?
3. Differentiate physical topology from logical topology of a network?
4. Compare and contrast wired and wireless media and come up with
clear advantages and disadvantages of each wired and wireless
communication media?
5. When and where is better to use GUI OS and CLI OS?

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