COMPUTER SYSTEMS SERVICING

1. Computer system - The complete computer comprises the central processing unit (CPU), memory and
related electronics (main cabinet), all the peripheral devices connected to it, and its operating system.
Computer systems fall into two broad divisions: client and server. Client machines fall into three categories
from low to high end: laptop, desktop, and workstation. Servers range from small to large: low-end,
midrange, and mainframes.

2. Computer network - A collection of computers and other hardware interconnected by communication

channels that allow sharing of resources and information. Where at least one process in one device is able
to send/receive data to/from at least one process residing in a remote device, then the two devices are
said to be in a network. It is a group of devices connected to each other. Networks may be classified into
a wide variety of characteristics, such as the medium used to transport the data, communications protocol
used, scale, topology, benefit, and organizational scope.

3. Configuration - The makeup of a system; to "configure" is to choose options in order to create a custom
system. “Configurability” is a system’s ability to be changed or customized.
Connector - Any plug and socket that links two devices together. Although taken for granted and rarely in
the limelight, connectors are a huge industry, and the quality of these components is more critical than
most people would imagine. When not designed or constructed properly, they often become the weakest
element in an electronic system.

4. LAN local area network) - A computer network that interconnects computers in a limited area such as a
home, school, computer laboratory, or office building using network media. The defining characteristics
of LANs, in contrast to wide area networks (WANs), include their usually higher data transfer rates, smaller
geographic area, and lack of a need for leased telecommunication lines.

5. Operating system - The master control program that runs the computer; the first program loaded when
the computer is turned on, its main part, the “kernel,” resides in memory at all times. The operating system
sets the standards for all application programs that run in the computer. The applications “talk to” the
operating system for all user interfaces and file management operations.

6. Server - A computer system in a network that is shared by multiple users. Servers come in all sizes from
x86- based PCs to IBM mainframes. A server may have a keyboard, monitor and mouse directly attached,
or one keyboard, monitor and mouse may connect to any number of servers via a KVM switch. Servers
may be also be accessed only through a network connection as well.

7. A client is a computer hardware device that accesses a service and uses remote services from a server.
A Network Operating System (NOS) is a computer operating system (OS) that is designed primarily to
support workstations, personal computers and, in some instances, older terminals that are connected on
a local area network (LAN). The software behind a NOS allows multiple devices within a network to
communicate and share resources with each other.
Types of network operating systems

1. Peer-to-peer network

In a peer-to-peer network operating system users are allowed to share resources and files located on their
computers and access shared resources from others. This system is not based with having a file server or
centralized management source. A peer-to-peer network sets all connected computers equally; they all
share the same abilities to use resources available on the network.

2. Client/Server Network

Client/Server Network operating system can be based on a client–server model (architecture) in which a
server enables multiple clients to share resources. It allows networks to centralize functions and
applications in one or more dedicated file servers. The server is the center of the system, allowing access
to resources and instituting security
Every computer requires an operating system to function, including computer-based network devices such
as switches, routers, access points, and firewalls. These network devices use an operating system called a
network operating system.

Some of the tasks of a network OS are similar to those of an OS for individual computers, such as memory
management and hardware control. However, a network OS also has specialized tasks. For example, when
network devices are used, such as printers and disk drives, the network OS ensures these resources are
used correctly and efficiently.

Specialized functions also include network security and network administration. Multiple users need to
access the network at the same time, and this needs to be managed carefully.

Networks can be classified according to where the resources reside and how the resources are accessed.

There are two basic types of network operating systems, the peer-to-peer NOS and the client/server NOS.

Peer-to-peer network

Advantages
•Ease of setup
•Less hardware needed, no server need be acquired
•Not expensive to setup
•The sharing of information and resources is fast and easy.

Disadvantages
•There is no centralized management.
•It is less secure.
•It does not have backup functionalities.
•There is no centralized storage system.

Client and Server network

Advantages
•Security is well managed in these systems
•New resources can be easily added and removed to these networks
•New technology can be put in without any problem
•Server can be accessed remotely

Disadvantages
•It is expensive to setup
•Maintenance of these systems require more staff
•All computers are dependent on server. If server crashes then all computers effected
The salient features of network operating systems are:

● Basic operating system features support like protocol support, processor support, hardware
detection and multiprocessing support for applications
● Security features like authentication, restrictions, authorizations and access control
● Features for file, Web service, printing and replication
● Directory and name services management
● User management features along with provisions for remote access and system
management
● Internetworking features like routing and WAN ports
● Clustering capabilities

Common tasks associated with network operating systems include:

● User administration
● System maintenance activities like backup
● Tasks associated with file management
● Security monitoring on all resources in the network
● Setting priority to print jobs in the network

The following table lists some of the popular network operating systems made by Microsoft and their
supporting operating systems.

Non-Windows Server Operating Systems

- Linux
- Apple Mac OS/X Server
- Novell NetWare
Activity
Answer the following questions. Write your answer on a sheet of paper. (1 whole)

1. If you will build a computer/IT business, what Client/Server design and strategy are you going to set up?
Why?
2. Create a Network topology/diagram of your chosen Client/Server design and strategy.
3. Draw a diagram of a Peer-to-Peer Network and Client Server Network and discuss their differences

Assignment :

To deepen your understanding with computer network, utilize the Internet and view the video regarding
types of computer network. Use this link https://youtu.be/EDrke1OKw2