Welcome to the Connecting Point Computer Network Menu. You know that you must get your business ready to compete in the 21st century. You also know that networks can save both small and large companies thousands a year, increase workplace efficiency for greater profits but you still have a few questions and choices to make. You don’t need to waste time reading some hefty technical book, or CD-ROM. All you have to do is ask a Pro. (Pssst...that's Connecting Point.) Click your network server of choice to find out more.

Types of Networks

Networks for small and growing businesses generally come in two types:

Peer-to-Peer Networks

With peer-to-peer networks, there is not a central server. This configuration generally has a single string of computers connected together via cabling. Each computer is an equal, or "peer," of the others, and it can share the files and peripherals of other computers connected to the network. This very simple type of network is generally best suited for less than five users who need to casually share files and peripherals.

While a peer-to-peer network is a low-cost, easy-to-install solution, it has some drawbacks. If one user turns off their workstation, their information or peripherals will no longer be available for others to share. In addition, accessing data and applications from another person's workstation can cause performance problems for that user.

Client/Server Networks

Client/server networks provide more flexibility than peer-to-peer networks. A dedicated server in the network enables users to access information and share peripherals without being dependent upon other colleagues' systems. In addition, a tape backup can be installed into a dedicated server, allowing you to back up data on both the server and all workstations. Client/server networks are typically used when there is a constant need to access large files and applications or when multiple users want to share peripherals.

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