Standalone vs networked computers Essay Example for Free

Standalone vs networked computers Essay This report will clearly explain the differences between standalone and networked machines, as well as give a brief insight into the basic components of the network. Also, it will state the possible advantages and disadvantages to keeping the current standalone set up opposed to the idea of creating a network. A synopsis shall be included to summarise your options, and give a professional opinion on what would be the most beneficial for your small furniture business. STANDALONE ENVIRONMENT WHAT IS IT? A standalone environment is when a computer is used independently without connection to any communication devices. Each computer will need a copy of the operating system and software being used. If you need to transfer data between departments, it will have to be done manually. They vary from networked computers which are able to communicate to other computers because as soon as a computer is attached to a communication device, it instantly becomes in a network. The main characteristics of a standalone computer are: * It has no connection to any other computers * It does not have an internet connection * Data would need to be manually transferred via CDs, etc COMPUTER NETWORK WHAT IS IT? A basic network consists of several computers and hardware devices such as printers and scanners that are linked together so that they can communicate with each other. It features four distinct elements in addition to the computers themselves. These are: * Communication devices * Networking Software * Data transfer media * Standards and procedures Communication devices are pieces of hardware that are needed to turn standalone computers into networked computers. Before a computer can be connected to a network it must have a network interface card (NIC). This is a card that contains essential circuitry and a plug-in socket that allows a connection between the computer and the cabling. The NIC basically prepares and convert data to a form that can be transmitted through media (such as a metal cable or fibre optic cable). Networking software varies dependent on the size of the network. Because your furniture firm is only a small business, the networking software on Windows XP shall suffice, but take note of this information in case the business planning future expansion. Specialised network operating systems coordinate the activities of all the computers and other devices connected to a network. Popular network operating systems include: UNIX owned by the SCO group as 2000, Linux and Novell Netware, a popular client-server network operating system. Data transfer media is the physical material through which data travels from one computer to another. The main data transfer media an offer in todays market are metal wires, and fibre optic cable which add the cost of creating/installing a network, or alternatively wireless. Standards and procedures are important because without them one device in your network could be sending data to another device in a form that the other device may not be able to interpret. In order for a network to run properly it must adopt certain procedures. Without procedures the security of the network might be comprised, as well as the health of the employees. Legislation such as the Data Protection Act and Computer Misuse Act may accidently be disobeyed. ADVANTAGES OF STAYING STANDALONE The advantages to keeping the current 5 machines set up as they are, as standalone machines are: * It would be a cheaper option in terms of hardware and software. The cables, especially high speed fibre optic cables can be money consuming, as well this NIC and data transmission media can be costly * Less ICT knowledge is needed to keep the systems running efficiently, hence qualified network managers/administrators do not need to be employed * Training costs (such as money and time) on how to maintain/operate a network are unneeded if every member of staff knows how to use a basic standalone machine * The spread of viruses and bugs can be keep minimal as each of the computers arent communicate, meaning the virus cannot be transferred from computer to computer * Hard is less of a necessity, as servers arent needed. This is beneficial in two ways: * If a piece of hardware malfunctions, it doesnt affect every machine whereas, say, if a file server crashed the whole network would be sabotaged * Initially purchasing costs and maintenance costs do not need to be funded if the complex hardware for a network isnt needed * Standalone machines can operate a lot faster as if they are only need for a specific task (e.g. Word processing) other software doesnt need to installed on the hard drive, hence making the machine more efficient ADVANTAGES OF CREATING A NETWORK The advantages of setting up a network far outweigh the advantages of staying standalone. There are however disadvantages which will be covered on the next page of this report: * Manual file transfer is rendered inept if the network operates using a file server, which holds all the important documents an organization needs, where every computer has access to instantly * Hardware such as printers can be shared between multiple computers, meaning a separate printer doesnt need to be purchased/installed to every machine * Software such as application are shared, meaning its easier to control software maintenance and making sure the software is up-to-date is easier and more efficient * Costs of purchasing software is reduced as you can purchase a single copy which can then be installed the server so every machine has access, which would be cheaper than the alternative of purchasing the software multiple times * Network managers can control what websites employees do and do not have access to, so distracting game websites can be blocked from every computer * Downloaded material can be checked with the latest virus checking software universally, so individual scans do not need to take place * Backing up files to save loosing valuable documents can be done automatically or by the network manager so less responsibility is placed upon the work force and the likelihood of lose is reduced * Internal business communication can be made easier throughout the means of e-mail, which will improve communication between workers DISADVANTAGES OF STAYING STANDALONE When there are advantages, there are usually disadvantages to go with it. The disadvantages of keeping the current layout format are as follows: * File transfer is time consuming and frustrating, as documents cannot be directly sent to each computer, hence file transfer media such as USB memory sticks or CDs need to be purchased * Communication when working on a joint computer project can be fussy, as e-mails cannot be sent, so the employees will have to engage in face-to-face communication * Information is hard to keep up-to-date as two or more users could be updating the same piece of information unaware the other is doing so, hence two or more documents will be produced causing confusion * Software needs to be installed individually on each of the 5 machines, which can be costly as the software needs to be replicated enough times and wasteful of businesses time * Back-up of files isnt centrally done, hence each machine need to be backed up and checked regularly to ensure to lose of data * The internet or intranet cannot be accessed by employees, meaning topics cannot be research, information cannot be posted in a bulletin, etc, hindering employees efforts DISADVANTAGES OF CREATING A NETWORK The disadvantages of creating a network are scarce as networks are beneficial to almost every organisation in todays society. However, they include: * The task of running and maintaining a network, ensuring that it is fully functional requires expertise, so a professional shall need to be hired * If hardware fails or malfunctions, every computer is faced with the inconvenience. For example if the network file server goes down, no computer can gain access to the shared files * The initial costs involved in setting up a network are high as all the hardware and software need to purchased, although a network will save money in the long run, in the short run it is costly * Viruses can be spread more easily and quickly to every computer on the network, whereas if it happened to a standalone computer only one would be affected SYNOPSIS Overall, the advantages to your small business of creating a network far outweigh the advantages of keeping the machines standalone. The ability to share files such as orders, receipts, etc would be drastically improved as a file server could be emplaced for ease of access. Providing you have the funds to invest in the highly priced equipment, the option of setting up a network would be beneficial in the long term for the business especially in major growth happens which can be foresaw with the increasing mass of technology used. You could use the internet research competitors prices, to offer your customer the best quality service available and even start trading online using e-commerce. Make sure sufficient antivirus software is in place to protect from the risk of hackers or viruses; this may cost extra money, as it needs to be updated. The ICT department may need to consider employing highly qualified employees to run and maintain the network to make sure its operational on a day to day basis. So the options are to keep the 5 standalone machines and be faced with the disadvantages of them, or set up a network of computers and experience the change.

Analyzing John Mayer :: essays research papers

Often, lyrics are created for people to relate to them. It is common for many individuals to feel as though they found a â€Å"common ground† with the artist who wrote the lyrics. In John Mayer’s song. â€Å"Split Screen Sadness†, it is very easy to relate to. The music to the song is very influential in setting the mood for the lyrics. Violins and other string instruments add to the sad tone of the song. The theme of this song is that the speaker is explaining how he broke up with his girlfriend (â€Å"And I know well it’s me who called it over...†), but now he regrets it.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The speaker of the lyrics could either be a man or a woman, who is in love with somebody who lives far away from them. Mayer uses colloquial language to set the â€Å"common† tone of the song. John Mayer uses quotes from other songs (â€Å"’All you need is love†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢Ã¢â‚¬ ) to express how other songs express how the speaker is feeling. Inside, he wishes that his significant other would have fought for him to not end it and not let him get away. The speaker can not figure out why he isn’t the way he was when deep down inside, he knows it’s because he doesn’t have the person he depended on most.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the lines, â€Å"I called†¦because†¦I just†¦need to feel you on the line†, the speaker is expressing how he takes comfort in hearing her voice. She was most likely the stability in his life and now he doesn’t have that anymore. The speaker is sick of fighting the feeling of longing he has for her and wishes that they were still together since their love was so strong. Mayer uses the repetition of certain lines to form a general refrain (â€Å"Two wrongs make it all alright tonight†).

Teacher who changed my life

Teacher Life is unexpected experience, so full of surprises that nobody knows what will happen the very next moment, especially when you meet a person who has the ability to change your life in complete way. Most of us have met a teacher during our lifetime in school that made a difference and touched our lives in some way to make it better and to open our eyes for success. I remember when the first day of high school started. I was very nervous and stressed, scared to the point that I didn't want to be at the school.I had six classes that I had to attend that day. At the end of the afternoon, I walked in my last class and it was Social Studies. I usually don't like this subject but the teacher started to change the way I thought about social studies. Her name was Mrs.. Jennifer Smith she impressed me the way she was confident, and she told us about her story from high school to college and the success that she gained over the years of studying also the fears that she had. The bell r ang, and the class is over. I stayed after class to talk to her about how I feel and how stressed I was about school.She was very nice and she welcomed me. She said â€Å"I'm here for you anytime â€Å". I introduced myself to her , and I told her how lonely I felt being in school and that I had no one to talk to which make me feel really awkward, plus that wasn't everything I was afraid of. I was worried about my classes too because they seemed a little hard. We talked for about an hour. She was a very good listener. She gave me a lot of advice that I needed at that time, and she told me to come to her whenever I feel like I need someone to talk to. I came back home really happy and confident.Everything I felt earlier had disappeared. My homework was perfectly done, and I was excited to start my next day of high school and meet Mrs.. Jennifer again. Years of high school was about to be over. Mrs.. Jennifer walked me to senior year even though I had one class with her. Through tho se three years she taught me a lot of stuff. She made from me a man for life, she opened my eyes for a bright future, and made me feel so special, but that wasn't everything. When senior year started, I were in need of help and I went to her.I wasn't sure if I'm going right after I graduate from high school I will go right after to college and I really wanted to know if I did the right thing or not. She gave me the best words that actually convinced me to decide what I should do after graduation. She said â€Å"through the years that I knew you, I have always seen you as a successful guy that has good head on his shoulders, I want you to go to college and prove to yourself and to me and everybody that you will never fail or take a step back† Mrs..Jennifer has changed my whole life, because of everything she did for me and that I actually listened to her advice. She played the part where I choose to attend college and look forward to be successful as I made a promise with her. Mrs.. Jennifer wasn't Just a teacher for me, but she was like a mother who really cares about her son, and she wanted to see me in a good place all he time where I can find the happiness and Joy in my life. That's how I see her in my eyes.Maybe that could be Just a little about how I feel about her because she is indescribable person to me. I will never forget the experience that I had with her and what she taught me through high school years. Sometimes people appear in our lives suddenly, and they flip it upside down. They change us for better ones, and that's what Mrs.. Jennifer did for my life. I couldn't be more thankful than any day in my life for having her. She shaped my life in Just a way that should be shaped.

What are the Pros and Cons of Charter Schools

A charter school is a public school in the sense that they are funded with public monies just like other public schools; however, they are not held to some of the same laws, regulations, and guidelines as regular public schools. They are deregulated from many of the requirements that traditional public schools face. In exchange, they produce certain results. Charter schools are a different option for public school students. They are not allowed to charge tuition, but they often have controlled enrollments and have waiting lists for students wanting to attend. Charter schools are often started by administrators, teachers, parents, etc. who feel constrained by conventional public schools. Some charter schools are also established by non-profit groups, universities, or private industries. Some charter schools focus on certain areas such as science or math and others attempt to create more difficult and a more efficient educational curriculum. What Are Some Benefits of Charter Schools? Creators of charter schools believe that they increase learning opportunities and provide greater access to a quality education. Many people also enjoy the choice they create within the public school system for both parents and students. Proponents say they provide a system of accountability for results within public education. The required rigor of a charter school improves the overall quality of education. One of the biggest benefits is that teachers are often encouraged to think outside the box and are encouraged to be innovative and proactive in their classrooms. This is in contrast to the belief that many public school teachers are too traditional and rigid. Charter schools advocates have stated that community and parental involvement are much higher than those in traditional public schools. With all of that said, charter schools are primarily chosen because of their higher academic standards, small class sizes, ground-breaking approaches, and matching educational philosophies. Deregulation allows a lot of wiggle room for a charter school. Money can be directed differently than traditional public schools.  Additionally, teachers have little protection, meaning that they can be released from their contract at any point without cause. Deregulation allows flexibility in others areas such as curriculum and the overall design of its core academic programs. Finally, deregulation allows the creator of the charter school to select and determine its own board. Board members are not selected through a political process as those who serve in traditional public schools are. What Are Some Concerns with Charter Schools? The biggest concern with charter schools is that they are often difficult to hold accountable. This is due in part to a lack of local control since the board is appointed rather than elected. There is also seemingly a lack of transparency on their part. This is actually in contrast to one of their supposed concepts. In theory charter schools can be closed for failing to meet the terms established in their charter, but in reality, this often proves difficult to enforce. However, many charter schools often face financial hardships causing schools to close across the nation. The lottery system that many charter schools have used has also come under scrutiny. Opponents say that the lottery system is not fair for many students wishing to gain access. Even those charter schools who do not utilize a lottery system eliminates some potential students because of their rigid academic standards. For example, special needs students are not as likely to attend a charter school as a traditional public school. Because charter schools typically have a target audience there seems to be an overall lack of diversity among a single student body. Teachers at charter schools often â€Å"burn out† due to the longer hours and higher levels of stress due to the higher standards they are held too. Hefty expectations come at a price. One such problem is little continuity from year to year at a charter school as there is often high staff turnover across teachers and administrators.