What is a computer network? What are its main functions?

Computer network refers to a computer system that connects dispersed computer devices to achieve information transmission. Computer network functions mainly include realizing resource sharing, realizing rapid transmission of data and information, improving reliability, providing load balancing and distributed processing capabilities, centralized management and comprehensive information services.

The operating environment of this tutorial: Windows 7 system, Dell G3 computer.

Computer network (a computer system that connects dispersed computer equipment to realize information transmission)

Computer network refers to the connection of multiple computers with independent functions in different geographical locations and Its external devices are connected through communication lines, and under the management and coordination of network operating systems, network management software and network communication protocols, it is a computer system that realizes resource sharing and information transmission.

Function of computer network

• Data communication

  Data communication is one of the most important functions of computer network. Data communication is a communication method and communication service that uses data transmission technology to transfer data information between two terminals according to a certain communication protocol. It can realize the transmission of data information between computers, computers and terminals, and terminals. It is the third largest communication service after telegraph and telephone services. The information transmitted in data communication is expressed in the form of binary data. Another characteristic of data communication is that it is always connected with telematics. It is a generalized information processing including scientific computing, process control, information retrieval, etc.

• Resource sharing

  Resource sharing is one of the main purposes for people to establish computer networks. Computer resources include hardware resources, software resources and data resources. The sharing of hardware resources can improve the utilization of equipment and avoid repeated investment in equipment, such as using computer networks to establish network printers; the sharing of software resources and data resources can make full use of existing information resources, reduce labor in the software development process, and avoid Repeated construction of large databases.

• Centralized Management

  The development and application of computer network technology has caused changes in modern office methods, business management, etc. At present, there are many management information systems, office automation systems, etc., through which centralized management of daily work can be achieved, work efficiency can be improved, and economic benefits can be increased.

• Realize distributed processing

  The development of network technology makes distributed computing possible. For large-scale topics, they can be divided into many small topics, which are completed by different computers respectively, and then concentrated together to solve the problem.

• Load balancing

  Load balancing means that work is evenly distributed to each computer system on the network. The network control center is responsible for distribution and detection. When a computer is overloaded, the system will automatically transfer the load to a lighter computer system for processing.

  It can be seen that computer networks can greatly expand the functions of computer systems, expand their application scope, improve reliability, provide convenience to users, and at the same time reduce costs and improve performance-price ratio.

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