Week 12: Clear

In class this week, we had an introduction into computer communications and the components required for successful communications.

After completing the lesson we should have been able to do the following:

• Discuss the components required for successful communications
• Identify various sending and receiving devices
• Describe uses of computer communications
• List advantages of using a network
• Differentiate among client/server, peer-to-peer, and P2P networks
• Describe the various network communications standards
• Explain the purpose of communications software
• Describe various types of lines for communications over the telephone network
• Describe commonly used communications devices
• Discuss different ways to set up a home network
• Identify various physical and wireless transmission media 

This weeks information was neither unclear nor complex.  I will explain one of the concepts that I understood very well.

Setting up a home network might seem daunting or intimidating. But in reality the concept actually sounds worst than it is.

Once you know what type of network you want and have the necessary hardware, there are four possible steps to take (two of these are not always required):

1. Install any necessary hardware.
2. Set up an Internet connection (optional).
3. Connect the computers.
4. Run the Set Up a Wireless Router or Access Point wizard (wireless only).

Start by setting up one computer. Once you set up the network and you are sure that the first computer is working correctly, you can add additional computers or devices.