2. Stand-alone vs networked

A computer that is not connected to a network is called a standalone.

Stand alone computer

If you wish to use this type of machine, then all of the applications you want to use will have to be loaded on to the hard disk.

Your data may be stored on the hard disk or it may be loaded from an external storage device such as a flash drive, DVD disk or an external hard drive.

If you wish to print a document or scan an image, then you will need to connect a printer and scanner to the machine as well.

You will not be able to communicate with any other computer whilst in this mode.

For example, you may have a personal laptop that you use in this manner.

The advantage of using a computer in standalone mode is that you have sole use of the machine and there are no problems with bandwidth limitations that a network may impose.

However, there are many advantages in connecting to a network of some kind.

Networked

A computer that is connected to a network is called a 'workstation'. With a networked machine you are able to share information with other computers in the form of

  • Email
  • Data files (documents, videos, images etc)
  • Instant messages
  • Share peripherals (e.g. printers)
  • Use online / networked applications

 

challenge see if you can find out one extra fact on this topic that we haven't already told you

Click on this link: Workstations