Before You Begin
	Iconology
	Introduction
	Course Requirements
	Technical Requirements
	Troubleshooting

Before You Begin

To ensure that your web experience is the best possible, you will need to do a few things before exploring this site:

1. Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer are the two web browsers that will give PC users the best results for viewing this site. Netscape Navigator, however, is the only browser that provides the necessary functionality for Macintosh users. You can download these browsers for free.
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2. To listen to the narration on this site, your computer needs a plug-in called RealPlayer, available on the Internet for free.
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3. You also need to make sure the audio on your computer is turned on.
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4. To view some of the graphics on this site, your computer needs a plug-in called Shockwave, available on the Internet for free.
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5. Make sure your screen resolution is set properly.
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Iconology

Icons used in this course:

	Key points will be summarized after you see this icon.
	Press the animate button throughout the course to view animations that demonstrate certain key concepts.
	Press the quiz button at the end of each unit to test what you have learned.
	Frequently Asked Questions are answered in the Troubleshooting section of the Course Overview.

Introduction

Welcome to Introduction to Networking. People communicate with other people in a variety of ways. For example, we talk to people face-to-face, or we write a letter and send it to someone and they write us back. These are common forms of communication.

When people use computers to communicate, they use a computer network. This course is about computer networks and how they are used to transmit information between computers and ultimately between people. It is a fundamental course that provides a broad overview and foundation for understanding networks and working in the computer and networking industry.

Why do I need a Network?

A network is a group of connected devices. For people using computers to communicate with one another, a network must be used. Simply stated, the requirements of a network are to:

Move information from a source to a destination

People use computers and networks for a wide variety of reasons. Three common reasons that people use networks to send information from a source, such as a personal computer (PC), to a destination, such as a printer, are:

	Communicate and collaborate (i.e., e-mail and newsgroups)
	Share information (i.e., document sharing)
	Share resources (i.e., printers and servers)

Examples of sharing resources are:

	Sharing computer files and disk space
	Sharing high-quality printers
	Access to common fax machines
	Access to common modems
	Multiple access to the Internet

A source or destination can be any device capable of transferring information electronically from one point (source) to another point (destination). There are many examples of devices that communicate over a network. They take many forms and vary widely in capabilities. These include:

	PCs
	Macintosh computers
	Workstations
	Printers
	Servers

Generically speaking, these devices are referred to as nodes. Nodes are the various endpoints on a network, connected together to form a network. The connection between nodes is made using some type of connection medium. Examples of connection mediums include:

	Copper cables
	Fiber optic cables
	Radio waves

You will see many examples of devices used as sources and destinations in this course. You will also see examples of cable types and the way cables are used to attach computers together. More importantly, you will understand how information is transferred between the source and destination. This knowledge will provide a solid foundation for understanding more advanced topics, such as internetworking devices and protocol analysis.

NACSE, National Association of Communication Systems Engineers, offers certification for participants of the WestNet Networking courses.

For this course, you will need:

	the workbook, Introduction to Networking
	a computer that meets the hardware and software requirements.

NOTE: You may purchase the textbook and the CD-ROM through WestNet Learning Technologies, 5460 Ward Road, Suite 100, Arvada, CO, 80002, (ph) 303-424-9168, (fax) 303-432-2565.

Minimum Hardware Requirements

	66MHz processor
	16Mb of RAM
	14" SVGA-compatible monitor
	800 x 600 resolution
	Sound Blaster-compatible sound card
	28.8k modem

Minimum Software Requirements

	Netscape Navigator 4.x or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.x Netscape is required for Mac users.
	Macromedia Shockwave Flash 4.0 plug-in
	RealPlayer 5.0 plug-in