Network and Internet Technologies (CAT 2020)

What is 'Adware'?

'Free' software that is ad-sponsored and pops up adverts while the program is running. Not technically malware because the adverts themselves are not malicious. Browser adware - when 'badly behaved' websites create pop-up windows that display unwanted advertisements. Less common nowadays because mobile browsers don't support additional windows. Ad blocking software or extensions for browsers can reduce the overall number of adverts you see whilst browsing, and so help prevent this type of advertising.

Disadvantages of VoIP.

- Call quality may be poor if you have a slow internet connection. - You can use up a lot of your data cap, especially when using video.

Advantages of VoIP.

- Cheaper than normal phone calls. - Software is generally free. - It allows one to transfer files. - It allows one to make video conference calls.

Best practices when using VoIP.

- Check time zones before calling another country. - Only use video when necessary. - Quality can be significantly improved by using a decent headset and microphone. - Check contact's status (don't call if they are busy).

What is the hardware involved in a network?

- Computers and peripherals. - Network Interface Controller. - Switch.

Advantages of internet banking.

- Convenient (24/7 availability). - Faster transactions. - Safer than carrying large amounts of cash.

Advantages of online shopping and reservations.

- Convenient (available 24/7). - Easy to compare prices. - Prices can be cheaper. - Businesses do not have to carry huge quantities of stock. - Businesses reduce overhead costs.

Best practices when using chat rooms/applications.

- Do not give out personal information. - Do not arrange to meet in person unless you are very sure that you know who the person really is. - Do not bully or get involved in flame wars (where people insult each other).

Advantages of social networking sites.

- Easy and cost-effective method of communicating with friends and family worldwide. - Allows you to send and receive messages. - Allows interaction between people who would normally not meet in person. - With these sites, you are not bound by any geographical or cultural differences. - Can be used as a tool for marketing and promotions.

What does the designer need to ensure about the type of font used on a web page?

- Easy to read. - Match their content. - Commonly-used fonts that are likely to be on the user's system (otherwise they will see a different font from the intended one). - Are limited in the number of different types of fonts.

What are examples of servers?

- File server: most common type of server. Used to store files, both the users' personal files and 'home files' (drives - U:/T:) and other files that have been placed in shared folders. Advantages to this is that users can access files from any computer linked to the network and users don't have to worry about backing up these files. - Email server: Used to handle all email needs of the organisation. - Internet or Proxy server: allows security control for viruses and internet usage monitoring. This is implemented from one central point as all 'traffic' between the internet and the network passes through this server. Access to internet can be speed up by storing (caching) recently accessed web pages on disk. - Web server: used to host websites, such as for the organisation's intranet. - Print server: used to handle all printing requirements of a network with many computers and printers. - Database server: provide access to data stored on a central database.

Three Components of a Network

- Hardware. - Communication/Connection Method. - Network Software.

Disadvantages of social networking sites.

- Increased risk of identity theft. - Many people have false information about who they are. - Loss in productivity if employees spend too much time on these sites. - Sites often analyse your likes and dislikes for targeted advertising. - People often create fake online content to make their lives look better than they are.

Best practices of social networking sites.

- Keep your privacy settings on. - Only enter information that you need to. - Think carefully about who you allow to become a 'friend'. - Do not post damaging, insulting or provocative content about anyone. - Restrict the amount of time you spend on these sites.

What are the limitations to fixed internet access?

- Lack of portability (cabled). - Expensive (dependent on amount of bandwidth and size of cap in package). - You may not be in an area that has ADSL or fibre coverage.

Best practices of video conferencing.

- Make sure you are in a well-lit location. - Protect your privacy by making sure you know what your camera can see. - Test the sound and video before you make the call.

Disadvantages of chat rooms/applications.

- No way of ensuring that people are who they say they are. - Users can spend more time in chat rooms than in the 'real world'. - Creates opportunities for cyber-bullying, cyber-slacking and identity theft.

What techniques should be implemented in terms of layout?

- Pages should be designed and laid out in a way best suited to their intended audience or readers (mature audience vs children). - Text and graphic objects on the page should be adapted to fit standard monitors and resolution.

Disadvantages of RSS feeds.

- People often subscribe to too many feeds, get overwhelmed and end up reading nothing. - Sometimes graphics and photos are not included in RSS feeds.

What are the principles of creating a website?

- Readability. - Navigation. - Consistency. - Layout. - Typography.

Explain the 'privacy' in the browsing experience.

- Some websites may record your preferences such as your choice of language and location. - Websites such as Facebook and Google may analyse your activity and use this to produce 'targeted advertising'. - If you do not have the necessary security measures in place, malware may install itself on your computer without your knowledge. - Spyware and Adware are two types of software that can have a negative effect on your browsing experience.

Disadvantages of online shopping and reservations.

- Sometimes better to see products in person to ensure quality. - Delivery costs.

What other factors affect the browsing experience?

- Speed. - Privacy. - Spyware. - Adware.

What techniques are important to navigation?

- The main links, or menu system, should be easy to locate and identify. - The links should be short and clearly descriptive. - There should be no 'broken links' (links that don't work). - The links should be formatted in a consistent and standard way.

What techniques will improve readability?

- The use of headings, short paragraphs and columns. - The use of numbered or bulleted lists, and keeping text short and to the point. - The grouping together of related ideas in a logical order. - Attention to the types, size and colour of fonts. - The avoidance of text in all upper case.

Best practices of RSS feeds.

- Use a dedicated RSS reader as it makes it easier to manage and read your feeds. - Only subscribe to feeds that you are sure you will read.

What techniques will allow for consistency?

- Using the same basic layout (headings in the same place, links for navigation in the same place, etc). - Using the same colours and fonts, or theme, throughout the website.

Disadvantages of video conferencing.

- Video/audio quality may be poor if you have a slow internet connection. - You use a lot of data.

What are the three general terms used for computers linked in a network?

- Workstation: a desktop computer connected to a network, as distinct from a server. - Clients: computing devices that can interact with the network and use the network resources. - Server: a powerful computer that provides shared resources, such as files, email and internet facilities, and printers to the network users. A server is not used as a 'user' - usually has better hardware such as larger memory and larger hard drive space.

Advantages of chat rooms/applications.

- You can chat with more than one person at a time in real time. - No geographical limitations. - Some applications can be used on a variety of OSs.

Advantages of RSS feeds.

- You can have all your news in one place (time-saver). - RSS avoids spam as the updates are not sent to an email address.

Advantages of video conferencing.

- You can see the people you are communicating with and read their facial expressions and body language. - It is much cheaper than travelling to a meeting.

What are the disadvantages of a LAN?

1. Can be expensive to install and maintain: - A network administrator is necessary to manage the network. 2. If a file server is faulty, nobody can access their files. 3. Network security must be maintained to ensure that the data on the network is kept secure. 4. If a WLAN is used: sending data wirelessly is less secure than using cables. 5. If a WLAN is used: performance can decrease as the number of computers connected increases.

What are two other important password rules?

1. Change your passwords every two months or so. 2. Don't use the same password for any two sites.

What are two disadvantages of Fibre Optics?

1. Expensive. 2. Difficult to install.

What are the main differences between UTP and Fibre Optic?

1. Fibre has a much faster data transmission - Fibre uses light signals to transmit data, whereas UTP uses electrical signals to transmit data through copper wires. 2. UTP cables can only span a certain distance before the signal strengths get weak and you have a loss of signal on the cable. Fibre cables can span much longer distances. 3. With the right equipment, UTP cables can be 'eavesdropped' on and data being transmitted can be intercepted. Fibre is immune to eavesdropping. 4. UTP can sometimes be affected by electrical sources - sometimes termed EMI (electromagnetic interference). Fibre is not affected in this way.

What are the advantages of a LAN?

1. Files are stored on a central computer (file server) allowing users access from any computer in the network. 2. Software applications can be shared by users. 3. Hardware, such as printers, can be shared by users. 4. A single internet connection can be shared by users. 5. It is easier to keep software up to date on all the computers in the network - it can be done on one central computer, rather than each individual computer.

What advantages does a WLAN have compared to a LAN?

1. Installation is far easier - cables don't need to be pulled through ceilings or walls. 2. It is easier and more practical to make use of wireless connectivity between buildings. 3. It is easy to add or remove computers and devices - it is not fixed. 4. Adds mobility for users with mobile devices. 5. It avoids clutter in terms of cables that might get in the way.

What are rules when creating a password?

1. More than 8 characters. 2. Mixture of upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters. 3. Avoid using anything that is easy to guess about you - meaningless passwords are the best. 4. Avoid keyboard patterns such as 'asdf' and '1234'.

How do you know if you are connected to a network?

1. Presence of extra (logical) devices (which are simply folders on a server which appear and act as drives). 2. Presence of other computers in the network. 3. Access to devices (such as printers) that are not directly connected to the computer. 4. Indicator showing network activity in the notification area.

What should be included in an AUP?

1. Promotion of basic netiquette rules and importance of sticking to ethical, legal and safe practices. 2. Restrictions in terms of what may be accessed online. 3. Restrictions on amount of data downloaded. 4. Restrictions about installing hardware and software. 5. Consequences of violating AUP conditions.

What is '3G' or '4G'?

3G and 4G/LTE are generations of mobile (cellular) phone technology that makes use of an infrastructure of cellular networks. Cell C, MTN, Vodacom, Telkom. It enables 3G/4G-enabled devices with a 3G/4G USB modem to offer high-speed internet access.

What is a Switch?

A device used to connect computers in a network with cables so that communication can occur between the computers - not used for internet access. One end of the network cable is plugged into the network port (attached to the NIC) of the computer and the other end attaches to the switch. The switch can send and receive data to and from computers in a network and manage the communication in the network efficiently. Large networks have many switches that get stored in a cabinet.

What are 'hotspots'?

A hotspot is a place where a WiFi network has been created so that people can connect to the network - and through it, connect to the internet. Some hotspots offer free connections, while others require a subscription to a WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider) for which you pay per connection, per amount of data, per day or per month.

What is 'PayPal'?

A secure global e-commerce business that facilitates payments and money transfers via the internet, using either your PayPal balance, your bank account or credit card.

What is a social networking site?

A social networking site is where individuals and organisations can post their likes, dislikes, comments, photographs and activities for their friends to see and read.

What is 'WiFi'?

A wireless technology that uses radio waves to transmit data. WiFi allows devices to connect to the internet (via a router linked to a fibre or ADSL internet connection), or to communicate with one another wirelessly within a small area. WiFi access points can cover an area measured in square meters (might need more than one).

What does 'AUP' stand for?

Acceptable User Policy.

What is video conferencing?

Allows two or more people to hold online conferences at different locations, using a computer network to transmit audio and video as if they were all in the same room. Each participant must have a webcam, microphone and speakers linked to the computer.

What is an Access Point?

An access point consists of a sender/transceiver and an antenna which transmit and and receive radio waves so that devices that are wirelessly-enabled are able to communicate with one another on the network.

Intranet

An organisation's private network that stores information relating to the organisation's business - only the organisation's employees can access this data. Stores information such as the organisation's newsletters or training manuals.

What are chat rooms/applications?

Any online environment that allows people to meet and 'chat' (by typing messages) with other people with common interests at the same time.

Explain the difference between 'broadband' and 'bandwidth'.

Broadband is the minimum speed at which your connection will transfer information, whereas bandwidth is the measurement of the data that can transfer from or to your computer.

What does the usability of websites refer to?

Combines practical usability with an artistic sense of what the target audience would find attractive and relevant.

Explain 'Communication Methods'.

Computers and other devices in a network must be connected by some sort of communication method or medium. LANS today utilize a mixture of wired and wireless media. WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) is used to indicate that at least part of the network is linked wirelessly.

What does 'consistency' refer to?

Consistent design and layout makes the structure of a site easier to understand. This in turn makes the site easier to navigate and easier to read. There should be a measure of consistency between all the different pages in the site.

What is the purpose of a username and password in a network?

Controls access to and secure data on the network.

What does online harassment include?

Cyber-stalking and cyber-bullying.

Which data transmission is faster? WLAN or LAN?

Data transmission over a WLAN is slower than over a (cabled) LAN.

What is 'internet banking'?

E-banking offers the ability to connect to your bank via the internet and perform online transactions, such as: - Viewing your account balances. - Paying your bills. - Transferring money between accounts.

What is the Network Interface Controller?

Every computing device in a network must either be wirelessly-enabled to allow for connection, or must have a NIC to allow for a connection via a cable. The wireless adapter and the NIC are usually built-in to the device, depending on the device.

What does FFTH and FFTB refer to?

Fibre to the Home and Fibre to the Business refer to the installation and use of fibre cables to homes and businesses to provide high-speed internet access.

What does 'FTP' refer to?

File Transfer Protocol is the protocol (rule for communication) used for the fast, easy transfer of files between remote computers that have an internet connection. The files can be uploaded and downloaded from a FTP server. Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox.

Explain 'fixed internet access'.

Fixed internet access includes options such as ADSL or fibre.

What are the two types of internet access?

Fixed or mobile.

How is data transmission speed written in cabled networks?

For cabled network equipment such as switches and NICs, the specification is written as 100/1000. This refers to the speed that the switch or NIC can support - 100 Mbps / 1000 Mbps (gigabit). The reason why multiple speeds are listed is that the maximum transmission speed that can be used depends on the type of cabling and other equipment used in the network, such as the switches and the NICs.

What does 'navigation' refer to?

Good website navigation means being able to move around the web page or website easily and intuitively.

Explain 'Computers and Peripherals'.

Hardware in a network includes the computers and devices that are linked in the network (tablets and smartphones) and shared devices (printers).

HAN

Home area network - small network which is organised a home environment.

What is the most dangerous form of spyware?

Key-loggers - capture your keystrokes as you type in attempt to discover your usernames and passwords.

Internet

Large worldwide computer network.

What does 'layout' refer to?

Layout refers to how the various elements of a web page (text, graphics, buttons, etc) are arranged on the web page.

How do wireless technologies transmit data?

Light or radio waves - almost all wireless connections use radio waves because they are more efficient than, for example, the infrared light communications that power your TV remote control.

LAN

Local are network - network which connects computers in a small area, such as a school, university campus or a company building.

What does LTE stand for?

Long Term Evolution.

What does Network Security refer to?

Network security refers to policies put in place to ensure the security of a network by preventing unauthorized access to information and misuse of the computer network.

What is the Network Software?

Network software is software that controls all the communication and security in a network. Most desktop OSs, such as Microsodt Windows 10, have built-in network capabilities. For larger networks, specialised 'Server' editions of the OS need to be installed on the servers. Server editions add extra security and management options and allow for more users to connect at a time.

Explain the 'speed' in the browsing experience.

Pages should be designed to load quickly. The speed of the internet is increasing all the time, but so is the volume of content that needs to load. The slow loading of web pages is caused by large file types - animation and multimedia content (high resolution graphics, video and sound).

Explain 'mobile internet access'.

People nowadays don't want to be limited by cables. This includes WiFi (Hotspots), WiMAX and 3G or 4G (LTE).

PAN

Personal area network - network which is organised around an individual with a range of a few meters.

What is the purpose of an AUP?

Put in place to serve as a contract and to clearly list what the users are permitted and not permitted to do in order to protect them when they are using ICT facilities and when they are online.

What does 'RSS' refer to?

Really Simple Syndication is a technology that automatically provides users with updated content, such as new blog entries or feeds from news websites. A RSS document - called a channel, feed or web feed - can include full or summarized content. This content can be accessed from a central application (RSS reader) without having to go and check each website separately. Flipboard, Feedly and Firefox's Live Bookmarks. To subscribe to a feed, you need to register an account with a RSS reader and select your websites.

What does 'readability' refer to?

The ease with which a reader can understand and decipher the written/typed text.

What does 'E-commerce' mean?

The general term for any type of business transaction that involves communication across the internet. Buying, selling and marketing of goods or services. Payment on the internet is done by credit card transactions, EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) or using systems such as PayPal.

What is the 'data transmission speed of a network'?

The rate at which data is being transferred over the media used.

When a mixture of network components running at different speeds are used, what determines the overall speed of the network?

The speed of the slowest component determines the speed of the network.

Define 'cyber-bullying'.

The spreading of rumors, gossip and the general bullying of another person using digital communication methods. Cyber-bullying usually involves aggression and repetitive negative actions. Chat applications and social networking sites are used for this. Usually a group activity.

What is 'spyware'?

The term 'spyware' refers to any technique or software that tries to monitor and track the way you use your computer, and then to report this information to a third party. Your use of the internet is tracked in order to build a profile of you - sold for use in targeted advertising. More menacing versions of spyware are used for stealing confidential information.

How does a Wired Connection work?

The type of cable most commonly used to connect computers in a LAN is UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cable - copper. Fibre Optic cables used light to transmit data and therefore is very fast. Although the price of Fibre Optic has gone decreased and become more affordable for use in a LAN, wireless options and gigabit UTP are now standard. Fibre is mainly used as a backbone (a cable for connecting different LANS) - a UTP-using computer centre may be connected to a UTP-using administration centre.

What is the main aim of computer networks?

To allow users to communicate and to share software, hardware, data and information.

What does 'typography' refer to?

Typography involves the placing and formatting of text. This includes aspects such as the length of a line of text, the type and size of the font, the amount of space between letters, words, lines and paragraphs and the use of punctuation.

Define 'cyber-stalking'.

Usually carried out by an individual who is obsessed with someone. It takes the form of using digital technologies to track and follow the victim's activities. Often crosses over into real life as the stalking physical follows or tries to involve him/herself in the victim's digital life. This information is sometimes used by the stalker to control, intimidate or harass the victim.

What does 'VoIP' refer to?

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a a technology that allows telephone calls to be made over LANs, WANs and the internet, allowing you to talk to anyone who has a VoIP system anywhere in the world. When using VoIP, voice is transmitted on a network. Allows you to speak to many people at the same time using conference call technology. WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype.

How does a Wireless Connection work?

When a wireless network is installed, wireless access points allow wireless (radio - WiFi) communication between devices. These access points are in turn connected via cable to a switch on the cabled network - for access to the server and other devices. In a school - access points would have to be installed around the school, determined by size of school and distance between buildings.

What are 'server farms' or 'data centers'?

When many servers in large companies or organisations are working together to provide the information requested.

What is 'cyber-slacking'?

When students or employees spend too much time on social networking sites instead of working and abuse the bandwidth.

How is the data transmission speed written in wireless networks?

When you see '802.11' you know that your computer has a wireless adapter. There are various standards of 802.11, such as 802.11g and 802.11n. These indicate the speed that the wireless network is capable of.

What is a 'personal hotspot'?

When your smartphone can act as a modem for connecting your other devices to the internet by creating its own WiFi network. You don't pay for connection time, but you pay for the data used.

What does 'WiMAX' refer to?

WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is an upgrade on WiFi. WiMAX is a more secure wireless networking technology that allows wireless devices to communicate with one another over a wider area than WiFi. The WiMAX towers are able to cover an area measured in kilometers. It provides secure, broadband access for business and home users. It can still be a viable option where fibre connections are not yet available. Uses satellites and dishes.

Can a server perform multiple roles?

Yes, such as in a small organisation, a server may be used as both a printing server and a file server.