Advantages and Disadvantages of networking


Advantages of a Network 

File Sharing:
Networks offer a quick and easy way to share files directly. Instead of using a disk or U S B key to carry files from one computer or office to another, you can share files directly using a network.

Software Cost and Management: 
 Many popular software products are available for networks at a substantial savings in comparison to buying individually licensed copied for all of your computers. You can also load software on only the file server which saves time compared to installing and tracking files on independent computers. Upgrades are also easier because changes only have to be done once on the file server instead of on individual workstations.

Security 
Specific directories can be password protected to limit access to authorized users. Also, files and programs on a network can be designated as "copy inhibit" so you don’t have to worry about the illegal copying of programs.

Resource Sharing
All computers in the network can share resources such as printers, fax machines, modems, and scanners.

Communication:
Even outside of the internet, those on the network can communicate with each other via electronic mail over the network system. When connected to the internet, network users can communicate with people around the world via the network. 

Flexible Access:
Networks allow their users to access files from computers throughout the network. This means that a user can begin work on a project on one computer and finish up on another. Multiple users can also collaborate on the same project through the network. 

Work group Computing:
Work group software like Microsoft Back Office enables many users to contribute to a document concurrently. This allows for interactive teamwork.


Disadvantages of  a Network

- If Sever develops a fault then users may not be able to run the application programs.

- A fault in the network can cause user to lose the data.

-If the network stops operating then it may not be possible to access to various computers.

- It is difficult to make the system secure from hackers, novices or industrial espionage.

- Decisions on resource planning tend to become centralized.

- Networks that have grown with little thought can be inefficient in the long term.

-As traffic increases on a network the performance degrades unless it is designed properly.

- The larger the network becomes difficult to manage.