Advantages and disadvantages of networking
Advantages
The ability to share resources (e.g. printers,
scanners etc.)
Only one copy of application software needs to be
installed and maintained.
The ability to share data.
Greater security because data and programs may be
held in one place.
Everyone using the network is able to access the
same centrally held pool of data.
Enables email to be sent between terminals thus
saving time and money
Disadvantages
A network manager/administrator is usually
needed and it costs a lot to employ them.
Faults with hardware, communication lines
can render the network incapable of being
used
If the network is connected to external
communication lines (e.g. the telephone) then
there is a danger from hackers.
Viruses, if introduced onto a network, can
rapidly spread and cause lots of damage to
data and program.