Networks

Network Devices:

• NIC (Network Interface Card); The small circuit board, which use to add to the motherboard. A computer that is to be connected to the network need to have this. 
• Hub; A device that connects a number of computers to make a LAN. It sent the message that it receive to every computers on the network.
• Switch; A device that connects number of computers to make a LAN, like a hub, but it only sent the message to the address that the message addressed to.
• Bridge; A device that links together two different parts of a LAN.
• Modems; A device that use to converts from analogue to digital or digital to analogue.

Router:

Router; A network device that connects together 2 or more networks.

Router is commonly use to connect your LAN to the internet (WAN) by the cable or wireless LAN connection (WiFi) with wireless router.

WiFi and Bluetooth:

WiFi

WLAN is a LAN that use radio signals (WiFi) to connect the computers to the network instead of cables. There is a wireless switch or router at the centre of the WLAN, which used to receive and sent data to the computer.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth device contain low power transmitters and receivers. When there is another Bluetooth devices that are in range, they will detect each other and can be paired (connected).

Comparing&Contrast 

• Bluetooth has a short-range connections (only a few metres), but WiFi range wireless connections is about 50 m.
• Bluetooth is design to get rid of the cables e.g. USB cables. When using bluetooth to connect to the keyboard or mouse or the printer, there won't be any wires or cable around. However, using WiFi is for connecting to the network, but when using keyboard, mouse and printer there need to have the USB cables to connect.

Internet:

Internet is a inter global connection (connections that are linked together), which connects millions of computers together. This type of network are generally public.

Intranet:

A private network is called 'Intranet', which mean only an intranet users that can access. This type of network provides similar services to the Internet such as email, web page, etc. 

Intranet and Internet

• Intranet is an private network.
• Internet is a public space, a world-wide network. 
• Intranet limited the number of users.
• Number of people using Internet is unlimited.
• Intranet only contain specific group information.
• Internet contain many different source of information and is available for all.
• Internet contains a large number of intranets.
• Intranet can be accessed from internet but protected by a password and accessible only authorized users.

LAN:

LAN stand for Local Area Network, which interconnect in an local/limited area such as school, resident and office building. 

WAN:

WAN stand for Wide Area Network, is a computer network that can be connect in a large area distance.

WLAN:

WlAN stand for Wireless Local Area Network or WiFi, which links two or more devices using wireless distribution method within a limited area such as home, school or office building. 

Using different types of computer to access to internet:

Desktop computer:

Advantages

• Big screen
• Fast processor
• Lots of memory space
• No battery

Disadvantages

• Not portable
• Big and heavy
• Requires a separate monitor
• Needs keyboard and mouse
• Probably without wireless connection

Laptop:

Advantages

• Easy to carry
• Small and light weight
• Portable 
• Powered by battery
• Can connect with wireless network

Disadvantages

• Less memory space than a desktop computer
• Can  go over heat easily
• Easy to be steal or loose

Tablet:

Advantages

• Small and light weight
• Recognizes handwriting
• Long battery life time
• Can connect to internet from anywhere
• Multi-touch screen
• Portable

Disadvantages

• Easy to be damage
• Weak capability
• Small screen
• Can't work with massive amount of data

Phone:

Advantages

• Constant internet access
• Lots of application are in one device
• Portable
• Touchable screen
• Small, can be put in pocket
• Allow easy and quick access to information

Disadvantages

• Small screen
• Weak capability
• Not able to work with massive amount of data