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Unit Contents
We begin this course and unit by taking a look at the endpoints of a network, the computer, and the different types of computers commonly found in networks. Networks are used in a wide variety of ways to tie computers together so they can communicate with one another and provide services to the user of a network. Computers come in all shapes and sizes, and are manufactured to serve different purposes. Some computers are made for operation in a single-user environment. Other computers are made to support a small number of users in a workgroup environment, while still others may support thousands of users in a large corporation. Computers attach to a network through a network interface card (NIC). Typically cables are attached to a NIC to connect to other computers or networks. Several aspects of computer technology to be considered are:
Whether the computer that attaches to the network is a small desktop computer or a powerful mainframe, all computers contain the same basic structure and the components mentioned above.
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