The Promethean

What are Computer Networks and Do I Need One?

A computer network is a group of two or more computer systems linked together. The two most common types of networks are Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs).

LANs are generally contained within the same building while WANs are generally networks connecting multiple locations. In this article I'll be concentrating on LANs.

The two most common types of LANs are peer-to-peer and client-server. Peer-to-peer networks are very simple networks which need only involve cabling, a network interface card (NIC) for each computer on the network, and a hub or switch. Among other things, peer-to-peer networks allow file sharing, sharing of peripheral devices (e.g. printers) and shared Internet service. Disadvantages of peer-to-peer networks include little central manageability, little security, and they usually don't run well under heavier loads. The rule of thumb says that if you have 10 or more users, you should invest in client-server technology.

Client-server networks also require cabling, a NIC for each computer and a hub or switch. The difference is that client-server networks also require "network servers" (server). Servers are powerful computers or processes dedicated to managing disk drives (file servers), printers (print servers), or network traffic (network servers). While client-server networks are more reliable, more efficient and much more secure than peer-to-peers, they are also a great deal more expensive to implement and they require more maintenance and expertise.

If you are wondering whether or not to network, ask yourself these questions:

1. Do I share files with employees or co-workers on a regular basis?

2. Do I have a need to share expensive printers, etc.?

3. Would my employees or co-workers benefit from a high-speed, dedicated Internet connection?

4. Would I benefit from a centralized, automatic data backup system?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, give us a call. We'd be happy to discuss your options and the best ways to meet your needs and budget.

Is there something specific you'd like to see? We'd appreciate your feedback and article ideas. Please e-mail them to support@promethiusconsulting.com.

	Click here for printable pdf version
	Introducing..... Our New Mascot!! Say hello to Dingbats, our new office mascot. Dingbats, who was named after the typefont, is a male BETA fish. Male BETA fish are known to be aggressive and energetic. We feel that those qualities represent Promethius well, since we try to be aggressive and energetic in all the work that we do. Besides that, he is also blue (one of our corporate colors). While doing his best to represent our company, Dingbats spends most of his day swimming in a vase which is situated in Melissa's (our Director of Creative Services) Office. If you are ever up in the area, feel free to stop by and say hello to Dingbats in person.
	What are Computer Networks and Do I Need One? A computer network is a group of two or more computer systems linked together. The two most common types of networks are Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs). LANs are generally contained within the same building while WANs are generally networks connecting multiple locations. In this article I'll be concentrating on LANs. The two most common types of LANs are peer-to-peer and client-server. Peer-to-peer networks are very simple networks which need only involve cabling, a network interface card (NIC) for each computer on the network, and a hub or switch. Among other things, peer-to-peer networks allow file sharing, sharing of peripheral devices (e.g. printers) and shared Internet service. Disadvantages of peer-to-peer networks include little central manageability, little security, and they usually don't run well under heavier loads. The rule of thumb says that if you have 10 or more users, you should invest in client-server technology. Client-server networks also require cabling, a NIC for each computer and a hub or switch. The difference is that client-server networks also require "network servers" (server). Servers are powerful computers or processes dedicated to managing disk drives (file servers), printers (print servers), or network traffic (network servers). While client-server networks are more reliable, more efficient and much more secure than peer-to-peers, they are also a great deal more expensive to implement and they require more maintenance and expertise. If you are wondering whether or not to network, ask yourself these questions: 1. Do I share files with employees or co-workers on a regular basis? 2. Do I have a need to share expensive printers, etc.? 3. Would my employees or co-workers benefit from a high-speed, dedicated Internet connection? 4. Would I benefit from a centralized, automatic data backup system? If you answered yes to any of these questions, give us a call. We'd be happy to discuss your options and the best ways to meet your needs and budget. Is there something specific you'd like to see? We'd appreciate your feedback and article ideas. Please e-mail them to support@promethiusconsulting.com. .		Scan Your Images Like a Pro! Here are a few tips that can help you achieve better scanned images while keeping your file sizes to a minimum. The first thing to consider when scanning is how big you want your images to print out. If you need to enlarge a small picture (e.q. wallet-size enlarged to a 8"x10") you should use a higher resolution between 300 and 600 dpi. This will make your file sizes a little bit larger, however you will also have an accurate image that retains all the detail of the smaller original. If you perform the same procedure with a lower resolution you will notice some "graininess" and loss of detail. If you have an image that is going to be the same size as your original photograph, scan it at the resolution of 150 dpi. This will produce a quality image while keeping the file sizes low. Once you have your images scanned, you must choose the best format to save your image in. To achieve the best quality print out, save your images as a .tiff or an .eps. These formats will keep your file sizes higher, but the quality is always good. Most printing companies prefer you to save your files as .tiffs when sending your images to a press. For lower file sizes, save your images as a .jpeg or a .gif. It is recommended that you don't use these file formats unless you are specifically saving for the web, or if you are going to place your image in an email. Jpegs usually work better with photographs, while .gif's are used mostly with line art such as logos or cartoons. If you are wanting a master copy of an image or a photograph (like a logo), it is best to scan your image at a high resolution, and save it as a .tiff. After you have saved your image, make a copy of the file, and change the copy to the size and file format that you need. This guarantees that your image will be excellent no matter what format it is in.