Network Applications, Upgrades and Information Technology
By Bradley Mitchell, About.com Guide to Wireless / Networking
Once installed and running, you can use a computer network to share and back up files, play games, and run more sophisticated applications. You should also be prepared to upgrade equipment and software periodically to take advantage of improving technology. Networking professionals and students will also want to expand their knowledge base to stay on top of the latest developments this fast-changing field.
- Maintaining a Computer Network
- Networking with Consumer Electronics
- Improving Network Performance
- Using Internet Software Applications
- Using P2P Networks
- Using Virtual Private Networks (VPN) and Remote Access
- Using Internet Proxy Servers
- Using Storage Networks
- Jobs and Careers in Computer Networking
Maintaining a Computer Network
No matter how you choose to use your computer network, performing certain maintenance activities is essential to keep it running well. For example, monitoring incoming network traffic and Web site visits helps ensure safe Internet usage. Establishing a network backup system that keeps safe copies of all of your digital data is also recommended.
Networking with Consumer Electronics
Consumer electronics devices like game consoles, personal hand-held gadgets, home entertainment and home security systems can often be connected to your home network and the Internet to increase their usefulness.
- 802.11g Wireless Game Adapters
- Wireless Internet Video Cameras
- Do Standard USB Wi-Fi Adapters Work On Xbox Game Consoles?
Improving Network Performance
On the Internet, so-called speed tests measure the bandwidth of an Internet connection. You can often employ various tweaks to your computer and network setup to increase Internet performance. Other tools and techniques exist to improve performance of local and wide area networks and applications.
- How Is Network Performance Measured?
- Top Internet Speed Test Services
- About Wireless Network Performance
Using Internet Software Applications
Basic network software applications include Web browsers, email clients and instant messaging clients. While these are all popular on the Internet, private organizations also support them internally on their intranets. More advanced Internet / intranet applications include FTP and VoIP. Being able to install, configure and run these software applications greatly increases a network's usefulness.
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Instant Messaging Systems
- FTP File Transfer
- VoIP (Voice over IP) Systems
- FoIP (Fax over IP)
- How to Use a DNS Blacklist
- How to Find the Owner of an IP Address
- ASP - Application Service Provider
- Geolocation - Physical Location of IP Addresses
- What Is Net Neutrality?
Using P2P Networks
P2P (Peer to Peer) Internet file sharing systems use distributed network techniques and specialized protocols to support large-scale online file searching, sharing and messaging. Some P2P file sharing systems have been heavily criticized for enabling the sharing of copyright material such as commercial music and video files. Popular P2P file sharing applications include BitTorrent and LimeWire.
- Top P2P File Sharing Systems
- Tips for Downloading from P2P Networks
- BitTorrent P2P Clients (including Azureus, BitComet, uTorrent)
Using Virtual Private Networks (VPN) and Remote Access
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) supports local or long-distance protected access to network resources by tunneling through shared public links. While VPNs offer one type of remote access solution, other remote access software applications can also be used.
Using Internet Proxy Servers
Proxy servers are Internet gateways that provide network firewall, connection sharing, and caching technology for computers on a private network. Public Web proxy servers are also available on the Internet as a means to enable anonymous online surfing.
- Introduction to Proxy Servers
- Free Anonymous Web Proxy Servers
- Free Internet Proxy Lists
- What Is a MySpace Proxy?
Using Storage Networks
Storage networking utilizes specialized devices designed to serve or back up large amounts of data across local area networks. Two types of storage network technology exist - SAN (Storage Area Network) and NAS (Network Attached Storage). A SAN supports large-scale network data storage, retrieval and replication typically for business networks. A NAS utilizes one or more file serving devices connected as peers on a local network.
Jobs and Careers in Computer Networking
Anyone deeply interested in computer networking technology can build a career in the field. Many network engineers earn college degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, or information technology, but others learn through on-the-job training and self study. Job titles and expectations vary across the world and by technical specialty area. Several recognized professional certification study programs in networking can be pursued to demonstrate mastery of the subject and improve job prospects.
