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Describe computer network. Distinguish between dedicated server network and peer-to-peer network.

Computer Network
A collection of computers and other devices that are linked together by communication channels or lines for sharing information and other resources is called computer network. The resources may include printers, scanners and hard disks etc. The most popular computer network is internet. In a computer network, two important technologies computing and telecommunication work together. The computers on a network may be linked through cables, telephone lines, radio waves, and satellites etc.

The main differences between dedicated server network and peer-to-peer network are as follow:

Dedicated Server Network
In this network, each computer is called either server or a client. In this network, one or more computers act as server. In this network, there is one or more dedicated servers that control the other computers on the network. It may consist of many computers. Mostly data and program files are stored on the dedicated server. Data can be managed very easily because all data is stored on dedicated server. It is used in large organizations. In this network, data is stored on a central computer. So it provides best security.

Peer-to-Peer Network
In this network, each computer is called peer. In this network, a peer acts as both a server and a client at the same time. In this network, there is no dedicated server or central computer to control other computers on the network. It consists of less than ten computers. Each computer stores its own data and program files. Data cannot be managed easily because data is stored on different computers. It is useful in small offices. In this network, data is not stored on a central computer. So it provides less security.