Careers In Computer Technology And Networking

If you are a self-proclaimed computer buff and seriously considering a career in information technology, youll be happy to learn that there are several choices in front of you. No industry remains impervious to technology in this day and age. From banking to media, healthcare to manufacturing, all sectors use computer technology for most of their day-to day-functionsso it seems like the need for qualified and trained IT professionals is here to stay.

However, there is intense competition for IT jobs. Given the competitive landscape of this industry, the sooner you start planning your career, the better your chances of landing the job that suits your interests and skills. Following are a few careers in computer technology and networking to consider.

Computer Support Specialists

Computer support specialists, also known as technical support specialists, are the fix-it people of an organization. They are the warriors on call who figure out the cause of and then fix any hardware or software breakdowns in an employees computer system.

Their role may require them to perform day-to-day maintenance of employee machines to ensure their optimal functioning, as well as provide support via email, chat, phone, or face-to-face. Computer support specialists are also called on to install computer systems, peripherals like printers and scanners, software programs, and applications for employees, as well as instruct the staff on how to use them.

The qualifications required for a support specialist career may differ among organizations. While some employers may be open to employing individuals with professional certifications and relevant experience, many only hire candidates who have a college education.

Network Administrators

Computer networking is defined as the communication between computer systems or devices that are connected to each other and capable of exchanging data. All organizations have a computer network, and all organizations need information to flow seamlessly through their system.

Network administrators are responsible for installing and providing ongoing support for an organizations computer network, making sure the flow of information remains continuous.

The core job responsibilities include installing and maintaining Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), network hardware, and software; monitoring network performance; analyzing and troubleshooting problems; and ensuring the upkeep of an organizations network security.

A computer networking degree may be the most suitable academic program to help candidates qualify for a network administration career. A bachelors degree is usually required, but you may be able to get your foot in the door with an associates degree and relevant certifications.

Network Architects or Engineers

While the titles may sometimes be used interchangeably, the job responsibilities of network engineers and network administrators differ in the level of responsibility and skills necessary, as well as in the educational requirements.

While network administrators are in charge of the day-to-day maintenance of an organizations computer network, network engineers or architects are responsible for its overall design, management, and upgrades to speed and efficiency. Network engineers need a higher level of expertise than network administrators in order to meet their major responsibilities in analyzing, planning, and redesigning their organizations networks, to keep pace with the companys changing needs.

Typically a bachelors degree in a relevant field, such as computer science, is required to land a role as a network architect, though some organizations may insist on a masters degree as well.

Introduction To Metro Ethernet Network

Metro Ethernet network is a computer network which is a used as a platform where various businesses and individuals meet. If an internet connection is being used in the city premises, then most probably it is the metro Ethernet which is in use. Intranet is also used as a base by many businesses to connect its different offices and branches. This computer network option is chosen the most for various reasons. Firstly, this network option is cost effective for the business. Along with the cost effectiveness, the quality of the network is strong and effective. The bandwidth on which the Metro Ethernet work has the traffic well managed. Thus, the bandwidth is good. These reasons constitute to make the metro Ethernet a chosen option for computer networks.

The Metro Ethernet is provided as a minimal price because of the design. A technology called as the Layer 2 switches is used in the internal structure of the Metro Ethernet. This makes it effective to handle the web traffic well and reduces the making charges of the product. The Metro Ethernet has many applications. The most common use of this network option is in the government hospitals, computer labs of schools and colleges and other government facilities. Government offices are the prime place in which the metro Ethernet is used due to the vast amount of confidential information that is stored. The Ethernet network provides security and thus safeguards the information from malware and virus attacks. It is used for similar purposes in businesses as well as schools and colleges.

Due to the high levels of demand for the Metro Ethernet network, many people have come forward to invest in it. Many companies and businesses have actively contributed to the wide spread use of the Ethernet. This is done by the recommendations and personal use of the same. However, the high demand for this network is due to the speed that it offers. One positive side of this technology which cannot be found in another is that it continues to expand as it becomes famous. Thus, one can make use of this network to get the best benefits.

The Best Computer Networking Consultant

Every company these days should have at least one computer networking consultant available. Consulting services are imperative to a business ability to not only prevent technological disasters as much as possible, but to also recover from those that do happen as quickly as possible. There are some companies who have had their IT professionals in house for years, and there are others that have network consulting services outsourced in order to save money. Oftentimes the difference in budgets for in house professionals and outsourcing them when there is a need is quite significant. The professionals who are outsourced are just as knowledgeable and experienced (if not more so) than in house pros.

You are going to need a computer networking consultant who uses the very latest software applications to make sure that your system is always in tip top shape, regardless of if you are hiring for in house staff or not. Why are these guys so important? In a nutshell, they form a complete, business class IT solution for being on hand when problems that could impact your business in any way arise. The best outsourced professionals offer simple, turn key solutions that can be implemented right away, and if you find really good network consulting services, they will have a fully redundant IT department that is never on vacation.

It isnt enough for your team to just have knowledge or just have a knack for computer stuff. They have to include all of the expected core skills, advanced skills and ongoing technical know how that never fall behind the pace of innovation and new technology. This means that you will always have the advantage of having the very latest virus protection, hacker protection and business essential programs available to you at all times. A good computer networking consultant will have at his or her disposal comprehensive IT management software that provides monthly reports (or weekly, bi weekly, etc.) of exactly what you are getting out of their services this is especially important with outsourced professionals, because you will be able to see where your IT budget is going and what your money is being spent on.

There are basically three levels of IT needs that every business has, and these are the helpdesk level, the system engineer level and the chief information officer level. The helpdesk is basically a general responder who is going to be able to quickly solve the simple problems that come up. The system engineer is going to have a few years under his or her belt, providing full support for business class servers. Finally, the chief information officer level of computer networking consultant services entails offering an understanding of where the business is headed and how technology is potentially going to enhance operational efficiencies.

Computer Networks: Lan, Wan, And Internetwork

It's probably safe to say that modern business is dependent on electronic communication and computer communication. Ask any person who works in a corporate environment how many e-mails they receive and send in a day or how many times they need to print a document, and the number you will hear will probably be quite large. Thus, one essential thing to have in any modern office is a reliable computer network. A computer network is a group of computers and machines that are linked together through one of a variety of different methods in order to share, transfer, and communicate information.

A computer network typically includes computers, printers, and fax machines, but they can also include any type of machine or device that's linked in. A slow and unreliable computer network means that the computers and machines cannot communicate, which means that people can't communicate with each other, which directly translates to poorer work productivity, not to mention frustration and annoyance.

But before you know how to find a reliable computer network or how to improve your existing one, it's helpful to know about the many different types of networks and their capabilities:

Local Area Network

One type of network is called a LAN (Local Area Network). A LAN is one of the major two types of computer networks and is most likely found in homes or small offices as it covers smaller physical areas than other types of networks. It's a computer network that typically connects computers to word processors and other office equipment. Although a LAN covers only a limited area, it can connect a large number of computers and electronic equipment. For instance, schools and airports are two types of large, centrally-located organizations that often use a LAN. And the fact that it covers a specific, small geographic area means that the network doesn't require leased telecommunication lines. Perhaps the most crucial defining characteristic of a LAN is its high data transfer rates. Because the network is serving a limited area, data can move from device to device much more quickly.

Wide Area Network

Essentially the opposite of a local area network is a WAN (Wide Area Network). This type of network is the second major type of computer networks available, and unlike a LAN, a WAN covers a wide geographic area. Whether you need to connect computers across the country or across the globe, a WAN is a good solution. As opposed to a LAN, a WAN is not confined to a network within a specific building. And the most popular type of wide area networks is the Internet. And both the LAN and WAN come with wireless options, meaning that computers and other machines can be connected without using cables.

Internetwork

Internetwork is another category of computer networks that overlaps with both land area networks and wide area networks. Basically, an internetwork uses routing technology to connect two or more different computer networks. In other words, an internetwork connects to LANs or two WANs. An internetwork connects communication between or among public, private, commercial, industrial, or governmental networks. Within the internetwork category, there are three different types of networks: intranet, extranet, and internet. The difference among these networks is dependent on who administers the network and who participates in them.

Intranet

The intranet uses something called the Internet Protocol (IP) and related tools, including web browsers and file transfer applications. Internet Protocol assures that any packet of information sent from one computer or device arrives at its destination safely and in the same condition when it was sent. IP does this by assigning a unique address, a number, to each device connected to the network. The intranet is controlled by a single administrative entity. The administration's specific responsibility is to ensure that the network is closed to all unauthorized users and those outside the network. In most cases, the intranet is used within a single organization.

Extranet

An extranet must have at least one connection to an external network to be considered an extranet. It is a network that only services a single organization, but that usually connects to networks of trusted organizations. For instance, a business organization may allow their network to connect to a network of customers or suppliers. In other terms, the extranet is usually a network that includes extraneous connections from an intranet.

Internet

The Internet is the most popular type of internetwork that allows interconnection and intercommunication across worldwide networks. The Internet can connect a variety of different networks, including governmental, academic, public, and private networks. Most people are familiar with this internetwork, as the Internet is the underlying backbone of the World Wide Web. Although this type of internetwork is popular and can be used in businesses, it is can also be the least secure type of network, especially is an organization doesn't have the right anti-virus software, firewalls, and other necessary precautions.

The above is a simple overview of the most common types of computer networks. There are many other types of networks that could be beneficial to a variety of different organizations. Whether you need to connect computers in a single state or need California computer networking to extend all the way to New York, there are networks designed to meet your specific needs. By knowing about the different types of computer networks, you can better know which one is right for you and your business to help enhance communication and improve efficiency and productivity.

Fault Tolerance In Computer Networks

Summary:

Fault tolerance and disaster recovery are two important things to be implemented at computer networks. Fault tolerance provides a means by which a computer or network has redundancy or the ability to recover from faults and to continue providing services during fault. Fault tolerance may be achieved by providing redundant routing, pooling servers to function in a pooled environment, or by using disk level backup schemes.

Body:

The article provides an overview of different fault tolerant schemes available for systems administrators for backing up data, and recovering from systems failures.

The following methods provide fault tolerance for hard-disk systems:

Mirroring
Duplexing
Data Striping
Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID)

Disk Mirroring: Mirroring a drive means designating a hard-disk drive in the computer as a duplicate to another specified drive. The two drives are attached to a single disk controller. This fault tolerance feature is provided by most of the network operating systems. When any data is written into the drive, the same data is also written to the drive designed as the mirror. If the drive fails, the mirror drive is already online, and because it has supplicate information, the users wont realize that a disk drive in the server has failed. The NOS notifies the admin that the failure has occurred. On the other side if the disk controller fails neither drive is available.

Disk Duplexing: Duplexing also saves data to a mirror drive; the only major difference between duplexing and mirroring is that duplexing uses two separate controllers. Hence duplexing not only provides redundant disk but also redundant controller. Duplexing provides fault tolerance even if a controller fails.

Disk Striping: Disk striping breaks up the data that are to be saved to the disk into small portions and sequentially writes the portions to all disks simultaneously in small areas called strips. These strips maximize performance because all of the read/write heads are working constantly.

RAID: (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks)

RAID uses an array of less-expensive hard disks and provides several methods for writing tot hose disks to ensure redundancy. RAID has several levels; some of the frequently used RAID configurations are discussed below:

RAID 0: The RAID 0 is the commonly used disk. This method is the fastest because all read/write heads are constantly being used without the burden of parity or duplicate data being written. This RAID level improves the performance; it does not provide fault tolerance.

RAID 1:This is also commonly used disk. This level uses hard disks, one mirrored to the other. RAID 1 is the most basic level of disk fault tolerance. If the first hard disk fails, the second hard disk automatically takes over. The parity or error-checking information is not stored. Rather the drives have duplicate information. If both the drives fail a new drive must be installed and configured. This level provides fault tolerance.

RAID 2:In this level individual bits are stripped across multiple disks. Multiple redundancy drives in this configuration are dedicated to storing error-correcting code.

RAID 3:At this level data is striped across multiple hard drives using a parity drive. The data are striped in bytes and not in bits as of RAID 2. This configuration is popular because more data is written and read in one operation that increases overall disk performance.

RAID 4: This level is similar to RAID 2 and 3 expect the data is striped in blocks, which facilitates fast reads from one drive. This is not popular implementation.

RAID 5: This level is commonly used; at this level the data and parity are striped across three or more drives. This allows fast reads and writes. This works well if one disk fails.

RAID 10: RAID 10 provides high availability by combining features of RAID 0 and RAID 1. AID 0 increases performance by striping volume data across multiple disk drives. RAID 1 provides disk mirroring which duplicates data between two disk drives. By combining the features of RAID 0 and RAID 1, RAID 10 provides a second optimization for fault tolerance.

The Benefits Of Having A Computer Network In Your Office

So, we have all heard about computer networking, and we are familiar with such terms such as LAN (Local Area Netowork), Ethernet, and others. But what exactly is a network, and how can it be beneficial to have one implemented in your business? Let's take a quick peek and see if we can find a few answers.

In essence, a network is a way of interconnecting a group of computers that are usually close to one another. The main purpose of creating a network is to simplify and allow the flow of information and resources among different computers and their users. The first known computer network was created to benefit the United States Department of Defend in the late 1960's so that information could be exchanged in an easier, quicker, and perhaps more secretive manner.

There are three main methods in which computers are connected today: through Ethernet, which is a physical cable that attaches to each computer, which involves the use of bridges, routers, hubs, and switches; fiber-optics, which allow for greater distances between computers, with quicker communication between them; and one of the most popular, the Wireless LAN connection, which involves only a small router and no wires at all, as the name suggests.

One great benefit that many offices frequently take use is office e-mail. Instead of making phone calls, scheduling a meeting, or trying to make an announcement, supervisors may quickly jot down a memo and disperse it to whomever they need to see it--the whole office, or an exclusive group of employees. This also allows for the secure transmission of confidential information, such as financial records, which in turn cuts down on unnecessary paperwork.

Having a network in the office also allows for several conveniences. One such is a document repository. This creates a space for public folders, which can be accessed through the exchange server.

Public folders may contain items that all employees may need to access, like the employee handbook or vacation schedules. This can make it easier to bring on new employees, as they will have many helpful hints right at their fingertips so that they will not have to run to a supervisor every time they forget what to do--they can simply look it up!

Electronic time clocks are also very useful to employers. Clocking in and out is often done through a secret pin number and an electronic fingerprint reader. While we would all love for our employees to be wholly honest citizens who would never have someone clock in or out for them, this is an added measure to prevent such behaviors.

All in all, an office computer network provides many benefits and conveniences to its users as it helps in streamlining communication among all workers.

Modern Computer Networking And Its Importance For Business

Computer networking is the connecting of two or more computers that allows them to share resources. It can be done between computers in a home, in a business, across a corporation, and even internationally. It can equally be defined as a method of connecting two or more computer systems together including printers and other devices.

The benefits of networking are considerable, even on a network of only three systems. In computer networking there was never a truer statement than that this is a case of advantages experienced being far greater than the sum of the parts. PC networking is, as a consequence, a rapidly evolving discipline with many exciting opportunities. Challenges that arise in networking and particularly in the Internet tend to be truly global and have the potential to impact upon millions of users.

One huge and growing impact is Internet shopping. Shopping online has grown over the last 10 years to become a huge market, and if a sales business does not today incorporate this technology use they will fall behind their competitors.

But computer networking is also producing much more subtle uses within our societies. For example, Internet technologies can be deployed to favorably condition empathic response in those who have offended against community norms out of a lack of appreciation for the effects that their criminal behavior has on other people. In other words Internet linked devices can track home prisoners to maintain their behavior, in ways that 20 years ago had not even entered the heads of science-fiction writers, to the benefit of society as a whole.

Wireless Internet technology, is the development, also known as WiFi, which is really taking over the way people access the Internet and it has become widely popular in a very short space of time. One reason for this is it allows individuals to access the Internet via a network hot spots, while traveling without the use of cables or wires. In short it releases us from the tyranny of wires and plugs!

Wireless networks are now widely used including Internet-enabled mobile phones with cellular phone networks and, within buildings, wireless networks such as Bluetooth. These are in addition to the site networks used by academic institutions and large businesses. Wireless routers must be configured immediately for security right after you set up your network. It is important to emphasis that wireless can easily also mean insecure unless users are careful to set systems up correctly.

So, do this right away, as soon as you have got the device running. You need to set a new password for the router and limit access to only those computers on your wireless network.

Informally defined computer networking is the foundation of the Internet. The Internet itself is easier to understand when defined as the set of users, enterprises,and content providers that are interconnected by Internet Service Providers (ISP).

From an engineering standpoint, and please forgive me for being rather techie here; the Internet is the set of subnets, and aggregates of subnets, which share the registered IP address space and exchange information about the reachability of those IP addresses using the Border Gateway Protocol . Computer networks may also be classified according to the network layer at which they operate according to some basic reference models that are considered to be standards in the industry such as the seven layer OSI reference model and the five layer TCP/IP model.

Companies that use their own computer networks must administer complex systems which, once deployed, become vital tools for the continued efficiency of their operations. They employ administrators who focus primarily on the day-to-day operation of networks, while network engineers deal primarily with system upgrades, security testing, and so on.

Given the highly technological nature of computer networks you would have thought that just maintaining and developing these would be hard enough. However, companies also routinely face ongoing challenges with the fight against damaging software, such as malware such as worms, viruses, and spyware.

Computer networking has enabled people to work on the move, and take work home much more efficiently than has ever been possible before. Today's mobile workforce attach numerous devices to the corporate network that are hard to control from a security policy perspective. It is a common strand that companies that maximize the use of and benefits from the capacities and capabilities of their networks are able to gather, analyze, and disseminate critical marketing information quickly, which can give them an advantage over their competitors.

However, data loss and system downtime can bring any business to it's knees, so in this area to use the strictly cheapest systems and labor, may be a false economy of the first order. There are many highly trained staff who participate in Microsoft's certified computer networking courses and qualification. These specialists are more than able to protect your business network day and night. They deliver network support services which include data security, data backup and disaster recovery plans.