40 Questions
What is a computer network?
A combination of hardware and software that sends data from one computer to another.
What is a major application of computer networks?
Sharing of resources such as printers
What is a benefit of computer networks?
Improved security
What is a disadvantage of computer networks?
High cost of installation
What is a key criterion for a computer network?
Performance
What is a factor that affects the performance of a computer network?
The transmission medium
What is the primary concern of security in a computer network?
Preventing unauthorized access to data
What is another factor that affects the performance of a computer network?
The number of people on the network at a time
What is usually measured to determine the reliability of a network?
The frequency of failure and recovery time
What is a link in the context of computer networks?
A communication pathway for transferring data
What is a characteristic of a point-to-point connection?
There is a dedicated link between two devices
What is the term used to describe the way devices are connected in a network?
Network topology
What type of network topology has a dedicated point-to-point link between every two devices?
Mesh topology
What is the central device in a star topology?
Any of the above
What is a common feature of multipoint connections?
Multiple devices share a common link
What is the term used to describe a device in a network?
Node
What is the primary purpose of installing a Wide Area Network (WAN)?
To connect devices that are at widely separated locations
What is a characteristic of a Personal Area Network (PAN)?
It enables communication among personal devices
What is a characteristic of a Campus Area Network (CAN)?
It is made up of an interconnection of LAN with limited geographical area
What type of technology does a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) use?
Similar technology as LAN
What is the typical use of a Wide Area Network (WAN)?
To transfer large blocks of data between its users
What is the advantage of using the phone network for a Wide Area Network (WAN)?
It is cheaper and more efficient
What is a characteristic of a Wide Area Network (WAN)?
It is used to connect devices at widely separated locations
What is a characteristic of different types of topologies?
They can be used in different types of networks
What is the type of topology where all devices are connected to a single cable?
Bus topology
What is the characteristic of a unidirectional ring in a ring topology?
Data is transferred in one direction
What is the main advantage of a unidirectional ring in a ring topology?
Reduces the chances of collisions
What is the type of network that operates over a small physical area such as an office or a group of buildings?
LAN
What is the main advantage of a LAN?
Easy to design and troubleshoot
How are machines connected in a LAN?
All machines are connected to a single cable
What is the main characteristic of a bus topology?
Each device is connected to a bus cable by drop lines and connectors
What is the classification of networks based on their geography?
By geography
How does a user typically run malware on their device?
By opening a malicious email attachment
What is the primary function of a worm?
To self-replicate and infect other computers
How do trojan horses typically disguise themselves?
As legitimate applications and software
What is the primary goal of phishing attacks?
To steal sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers
How do worms often enter a device?
Through a vulnerable network application
What is a characteristic of trojan horses?
They compromise user security upon execution
What is a common tactic used in phishing attacks?
Creating a sense of urgency
What is a key difference between a worm and a trojan horse?
A worm self-replicates, while a trojan horse does not
Study Notes
Computer Networks
- A computer network is a combination of hardware and software that sends data between computers.
- It can be defined as two or more computers connected to share and exchange data.
- Hardware includes physical components that carry data or signals, while software provides instructions for network services.
Applications of Computer Networks
- Sharing resources like printers and expensive software
- Communicating between computers
- Exchanging data and information among users
- Sharing information over geographically wide areas
Benefits of Computer Networks
- Increased speed
- Reduced cost
- Improved security
- Centralized software management
- Electronic mail
- Flexible access
Disadvantages of Computer Networks
- High installation cost
- Requires time for administration
- Server failure
- Cable faults
Performance, Security, and Reliability of Computer Networks
- Performance is measured by transit time and response time
- Performance can be affected by the number of users, transmission medium, and other factors
- Security deals with preventing unauthorized access, updates, or data damage
- Reliability is measured by frequency of failure, recovery time, and network robustness
Types of Computer Networks
- Point-to-point connection: dedicated link between two devices
- Multipoint connection: shared link between multiple devices
Network Topology
- Refers to the way devices are connected
- Types of topologies: mesh, star, bus, and ring
Mesh Topology
- Each device has a dedicated point-to-point link to all other devices
- Direct connection between every two devices
Star Topology
- Each device has a dedicated point-to-point link to a central controller
- No direct link between devices
Bus Topology
- One long cable (bus) connects all devices
- Multipoint connection
- Devices connected to bus using drop lines and connectors
Ring Topology
- Each device connected to two other devices on either side
- Data transmitted in one direction along the ring
- Reduces chances of collisions and increases speed of data transmission
Classification of Networks by Geography
- PAN (Personal Area Network): organized around an individual
- LAN (Local Area Network): designed for small physical areas
- MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): in between LAN and WAN technology
- WAN (Wide Area Network): spans large distances
Local Area Network (LAN)
- Designed for small physical areas like offices or groups of buildings
- Easy to design and troubleshoot
- Exchange of information and sharing of resources becomes easy
Wide Area Network (WAN)
- Used when computers are at widely separated locations
- Communication between users established using leased telephone lines, satellite links, and similar channels
- Cheaper and more efficient to use phone network for links
Personal Area Network (PAN)
- Organized around an individual
- Consists of mobile computer, cell phone, or personal digital assistant
- Enables communication among devices and connects to digital networks and the internet
Campus Area Network (CAN)
- Interconnection of LANs with limited geographical area
- Network equipment almost entirely owned by campus owner
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
- In between LAN and WAN technology
- Covers entire cities
Malware
- Definition: software designed to harm or exploit a computer system
- Types: worms, trojan horses, phishing
Worms
- Can enter a device without explicit user interaction
- Self-replicate and infect other computers while remaining active on infected systems
Trojan Horses
- Disguise themselves as legitimate applications and software
- Compromise user security upon execution
- Often appear as utilities, games, or antivirus programs
Phishing
- Fraudulent practice of sending emails to induce individuals to reveal personal information
- Often involves pretending to be a trusted entity and creating a sense of urgency
This quiz covers the fundamentals of computer networks, malware, and current trends in computing. It includes topics such as the definition of a network, hardware and software components, and data exchange.
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