Select Networks is an experienced computer consulting company serving the Kansas City metro area. We carefully select all of our certified engineers to provide the very best service possible. We pride ourselves on cost-effectiveness, integrity and upholding a good reputation in the community. The core of our business lies in designing and installing, upgrading, and maintaining computer IT networks for small to medium sized businesses.

In addition to IT support for your users, Network Server Design, Implementation and Microsoft Software Training we offer Web Design and Hosting.

Contact us today at 816-841-3570 to see why others select us to be their IT network solution provider.

Local Area Network

Computer Networking Basics

What Is a Network?

  1. A network is a group of computers connected to each other for the purpose of sharing information.
  2. Networks allow users (connected computers) to:
    • share internet access.
    • centralize and share files.
    • share printers, fax machines, and other office equipment.

Networking Benefits

Networks help businesses work smarter by allowing them to:

  1. Share and protect resources.
    • Networks centralize data so it can be shared with appropriate people while preventing access from unauthorized users. In addition, data can be backed up to protect against loss.*
  2. Improve efficiency.
    • Employees are more efficient when important files, computer programs, and Internet access are available to them in one central location and at any time.
    • A network with remote access capability enables employees to access e-mail and other information quickly and easily whether they’re in the office or on the road.*
  3. Reduce costs.
    • Networks allow many users to access one device or service, eliminating the need for extra printers, modems, and Internet accounts.
    • According to a survey published by Forbes, hardware savings pay for the cost of software as well as hardware, installation, and support, on average, within five months.*

*These features are included with Microsoft Small Business Server 2003 and may not be offered by all server products.


Types of Networks

The two most common types of networks for small businesses are peer-to-peer and client/server networks.

Peer-to-Peer Network

Peer-to-Peer Network

Peer-to-peer Networks

  • This simplest type of network uses cables to link together multiple computers and other devices such as printers and fax machines.
  • Peer-to-peer networks offer a low-cost, easy solution for sharing files, printers, and other devices.
  • Peer-to-peer networks do have drawbacks:
    • Data may be lost if one computer crashes.
    • Access to information may not always be available if the computer is turned off or is used by another person.
    • The computer that is acting as the server will not experience optimal performance

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Client-Server Network

Client-Server Network

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Client/Server Networks

  • Client/server networks use a single, specialized computer (the server) as the central hub.
  • Client/server networks connect individual desktop PCs, laptops, printers, and/or mobile devices.
  • Client/server networks allow users to be more productive because they can share files, business applications, Internet access, and equipment.
  • Client/server networks decrease the risk of data loss if a PC’s hard drive crashes because all information saved on the server can be backed up.

 

 

What Is a Server?

  • A server is a specialized computer dedicated to managing shared resources.
  • A server manages access to other devices such as printers, fax machines, and other computers.
  • A server also manages access to files and data such as financial files, graphics, and business presentations.

Server Operating Systems

  • The server operating system controls the interaction with other devices such as printers.
  • The operating system also runs separate applications such as Internet Explorer, which allows users to perform other isolated tasks.
  • Most server operating systems also control security and allow a business owner to dictate which users, computers, or devices can access server resources and how they use those resources.
  • Server operating systems allow other server-specific programs, or server applications, to run.

 

 


 

Server with Microsoft Small Business Server 2003 Benefits

Maximize employee productivity.
SBS 2003 allows employees to:

  • Store, find, and share information in one centralized location.
  • Find and share documents and collaborate on group projects through an internal website.
  • Access information (contacts, e-mail, calendars, network files, internal websites, business applications) while away from the office.

Keep your business up and running.
SBS 2003 allows you to:

  • Protect your business information by providing a secure infrastructure, including built-in firewall protection and secure remote access.
  • Prevent data loss by automatically backing up company information and enabling employees to retrieve accidentally deleted files and restore earlier versions of files.

Work while away from the office.
SBS 2003 allows you to:

  • Use Remote Web Workplace to access information on your desktops, network files, internal websites, and applications from any PC with Internet access.
  • Use Microsoft® Office Outlook® Web Access to access e-mail, contacts, and calendars.
  • Access e-mail, calendars, and contact information from mobile devices.

Connect with your customers.
SBS 2003 allows you to:

  • Connect with customers more professionally by hosting your own company website and e-mail.
  • Stay connected with customers from virtually anywhere, anytime using SBS 2003’s mobility solutions (Remote Web Workplace, Outlook Web Access, and mobile device integration).
  • Streamline customer communications by providing one-to-many fax and e-mail capabilities.

Contact us today at 816-841-3570 to learn how Select Networks can help you gain the IT advantage!