Networking PPSS

What is a Network?

A network is multiple computers linked together to share resources (such as printers and Internet connections), to exchange files and/or to allow electronic communications. The computers on a network may be linked through cables, telephone lines, radio waves, satellites or infrared light beams. For PPSS purposes it's advisable to use cables only.

To Run PPSS on a network requires understanding networks and having the skills to correctly set up a network and maintain it. It also requires commercial-grade network (NIC) cards, routers, cables and computers.

Laptops and PCs purchased at local stores are usually configured for light home use and will not perform well on a commercial network. See requirements.

Ease of networking has improved as Windows has progressed from XP to Vista to Windows 7. All computers on a network should be upgraded to Windows 7 Professional.

Networking is a feature and function of Microsoft Windows software. Please refer to Windows Help (under the Start Button) for Microsoft's detailed instructions for configuring a network.

For using PPSS on a network, see Run PPSS on a network.

Advantages of Networking

• Speed. Sharing and transferring files within Networks are very rapid, saving time while maintaining the integrity of the file.
• Cost. Individually licensed copies of many popular software programs can be costly. Networkable versions are available at considerable savings. Shared programs on a network allows for easier upgrading of the program on one single file server instead of upgrading individual work stations.
• Security. Sensitive files and programs on a network are passwords protected (established for specific directories to restrict access to authorized users) or designated as 'copy inhibit', so that you do not have to worry about illegal copying of programs.
• Centralized Software Management. Software can be loaded on one computer (the file server) eliminating that need to spend time and energy installing updates and tracking files on independent computers throughout.
• Sharing of Internet connections, printers, fax machines and modems.
• Electronic mail on a LAN allows communication without having to leave the work area or desk.
• Flexible Access. Files may be accessed from any computer on the network.
• Workgroup Computing. Workgroup software (such as Microsoft BackOffice) allows many users to work on a document or project concurrently.

Network Types

The 'type' of network generally refers to the physical area the network covers. LAN and WAN are the original categories of area networks while others have emerged:

• CAN - A Campus Area Network (Controller Area Network or Cluster Area Network) is a network spanning multiple LANs but smaller than a MAN such as on a university or local business campus.
• DAN - Desk Area Network
• LAN - A Local Area Network connects network devices over a short distance. A networked office building or home usually contains a single LAN, though sometimes one building will contain a few small LANs (perhaps one per room), and occasionally a LAN will span a group of nearby buildings. In TCP/IP networking, a LAN is often but not always implemented as a single IP subnet.
• MAN - A Metropolitan Area Network is a network spanning a physical area larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, such as a city. A MAN is typically owned an operated by a single entity such as a government body or large corporation.
• PAN - Personal Area Network
• SAN - A Storage Area Network connects servers to data storage devices through a technology like Fibre Channel.
• SAN - A System Area Network (Cluster Area Network) links high-performance computers with high-speed connections in a cluster configuration.
• WAN - A Wide Area Network spans a large area (like the Internet spanning the Earth). A WAN is a dispersed collection of LANs. A network device called a router connects LANs to a WAN. In IP networking, the router maintains both a LAN address and a WAN address. Most WANs (like the Internet) are not owned by any one organization but rather exist under collective or distributed ownership and management. WANs tend to use technology like ATM, Frame Relay and X.25 for connectivity over the longer distances.
• WLAN - A Wireless Local Area Network is a LAN based on WiFi wireless network technology. (not recommended for commercial use)

Windows Limitations

Below are network-shared limitations of Windows.

XP

Home: 5 Simultaneous Peer Network Connections

Pro: 10 Simultaneous Peer Network Connections

1. Vista and Windows 7 users count as 2 connections.

Vista / Win7

Home Basic: 5 Simultaneous Peer Network Connections

Home Premium/ Ultimate: 10 Simultaneous Peer Network Connections and 5 Media Center Extenders

Business / Enterprise: 10 Simultaneous Peer Network Connections

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