ADVANTAGES OF LANS

Advantages of connecting computers in a LAN:

Workstations can share peripheral devices like printers. This is cheaper than buying a printer for every workstation.


Workstations do not necessarily need their own hard disk or CD-ROM drives which make them cheaper to buy than stand-alone PCs.

User can save their work centrally on the network file server. This means that they can retrieve their work from any workstation on the network. They do not need to go back to the same workstation all the time.

Users can communicate with each other and transfer data between workstations very easily.

One copy of each application package such as a word processor, spreadsheet etc. Can be loaded onto the file and shared by all users. When a new version comes out, it only has to be loaded onto the server instead of onto every workstation.



DISADVANTAGES OF LANS

Disadvantages of connecting computers in a LAN
- Special security measures are needed to stop users from using programs and data that they should not have access to;
- Networks are difficult to set up and need to be maintained by skilled technicians.
- If the file server develops a serious fault, all the users are affected, rather than just one user in the case of a stand-alone machine.If the file server develops a serious fault, all the users are affected, rather than just one user in the case of a stand-alone machine.
Wired and therefore more difficult to setup. Drilling holes in wall, running cables in lofts etc, fitting sockets and redecorating.
More expensive to set up
More time consuming to set up
Not as flexible, can only use where there is a socket - cannot use outside for example
Wired systems cannot be used in eg listed buildings





Depends what kind of LAN you re talking about
Wired LAN
Advantages
connect computers together
sharing files
sharing recourse's printers

Disadvantages
Limited to a certain geographical area
Can be no secure
not very particle over wide areas
need to be maintained regularly