Understanding Computer Networks, Operating Systems, and Internet Services

Features of Free Software

Free software provides the following freedoms:

• The freedom to run the program for any purpose.
• The freedom to study how the program works and adapt it to your needs.
• The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help others.
• The freedom to improve the program and release improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits.

Sharing Resources in Windows

To share network resources in Windows, you need to ensure that file and printer sharing is enabled in the local area network configuration. To do this, go to "Network Connections", right-click on "Local Area Connection", and select "Properties".

Types of Users

• Administrator or Root: Responsible for configuration and maintenance.
• User: Uses the system and accesses resources enabled by the administrator.
• Group: Users are associated in groups to facilitate tasks such as sharing resources.

What is a Network?

A network is a set of interconnected computers.

Network Coverage

• Local Area Network (LAN)
• Wide Area Network (WAN)

Network Privacy Levels

• Internet
• Intranet
• Extranet

Internet Services

• Navigation: The most successful service on the Internet is the World Wide Web.
• Email: Allows users to send and receive emails instantly with other users.
• File Transfer: Allows you to send or receive files between two computers connected to the network.
• Newsgroups: An Internet service that allows access to discussion groups.
• Chat and Video: Enables real-time discussions with others.
• Other: Various other services are available, such as electronic commerce and Telnet.

Functions of Operating Systems

• Manage programs, allowing installation, use, and uninstallation.
• Organize information in folders and files.
• Monitor the use of computer peripherals and detect possible errors.
• Connect and exchange information with other devices.

Key Network Concepts

IP Address: The address of a computer on the network.

Working Group: Computers are grouped into subnets for ease of use.

Gateway: The IP address through which you exit the local network to the outside.

Network Interconnection

Network Types

• Ethernet
• WiFi

Hubs

• HUB
• Switch

Access Points

• Router

Network Cables

• Twisted-Pair
• Fiber Optic