10 Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer Network | Drawbacks & Benefits of Computer Network

What is Computer Network ?

Computer network is a strategy where different computers are connected together using a common network. Business and organizations heavily depend on computer networking to share informations and resources. Not only for organizations, even for individuals it has become an important part since they have to share informations everyday.

 

What is the use of Computer Network ?

It has opened the gate for interacting with people all around the world. In fact it had changed the perspective of how a communication should take place, making it more convenient. Even though networking provides many promising benefits, there are some downsides and risks. These primary advantages and disadvantages should be considered before establishing a computer network.

 
In this article, you will get the information on 10 Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer Network | Drawbacks & Benefits of Computer Network. Through this post, you will know the pros and cons of using computer networks.
 
Let's get started,

 

 

Advantages of Computer Network

 
1. Data Storage
 
Al the data of the respective organization will be stored in a remote server that can be accessed in any given time. Each and every employee within an organization will be able to access them.
 
And many computers are interconnected through a central server there is an increase in capacity. If in case one of the employees happens to loose data, there won't be any problem in retrieval since all the informations  are already stored inside the central server.
 
 
2. Connecting Computers
 
A single network can be used to connect limited number of computers interconnecting with each other. Hence, all the computers does not need to have a ISP account, they can be functioned under the network with single unit. 

 
And depending on the location of workplace the type of network that needs to be deployed changes. If the employees of an organization happens to work within it, a Local Area Network (LAN) will be sufficient. 

 

Others who work from far sites, needs to be connected using larger Wide Area Network (WAN). Internet is one type of network which spans globally.
 
 
3. Problem Solving
 
Computer networking makes it possible for people all around the world to troubleshoot and solve problems in lesser amount of time. Their services include, business, education and medical. 

 

For an example, the business can start a blog to attract customers in various places. And all the medical expenses can be viewed for an emergency using a computer network.
 
 
4. Reliability
 
The information stored on the central server is considered to be reliable. If one PC happens to loose the information, similar kind of data can be accessed using another computer. This ensures that no interruptions occur to the working environment, thus leading to smooth functioning.
 
 
5. Flexibility
 
There are numerous reasons which contribute to the flexibility of computer networks. It provides the opportunity for the user to explore the fundamental things. 

 
And also information sharing can be done through different approaches. If information needs to be sent to different people simultaneously then emails can be used. Social networking sites such as facebook too has the capability to share informations. 

 

Or else files can be uploaded to cloud servers so that they are made accessible to various devices. Computer networks contain various information sharing options that can be convenient to different individuals.
 
 
6. Security
 
Security and protection is already included with computer network. Thus it provides a better security to sensitive and confidential informations. 

 

Employees can benefit from sharing personal information with each other coworkers without worrying of exposure to the intruders. 

 

Without the prior approval of users, even other workers will not be able to view user's files. Hence, it can overall lead to fraud reduction.
 
 
7. Collaboration
 
Collaboration is made easy using computer network especially for the corporate world. Whether it is connecting teams, organizing social meetups or acquiring personal responses, all these task can be done comfortably.
 
Apart from businesses, families can also use personal networks to organize picnics, share pictures and videos or put on a shopping list all without exposing their security.
 
 
8. Cost
 
Even though computer network involve high amount of setup cost, there are indirect cost reductions here. 

 

For an example the inexpensive networking software only needs to be installed once and made available for all of the connected computers. Which means that there is no need to purchase the software frequently for each and every user.
 
Plus, there are very less number of file storage expenses since files are stored using a central server.
 
 
9. Resource Sharing
 
Using computer networking, connected resources such as scanners, printers and photocopy machines can be shared across multiple users. 

 

This is particularly important for large organizations where they need to buy resources for each and every staff. 

 

By using a common network, companies can make sure that the resources are made available to all the employees those are working.
 
 
10. Information Sharing
 
Unlike earlier time, file sharing with another user can be done effortless using computer network. Using cloud services such as google drive and dropbox, users can upload files to a cloud server such that it is made available to other people. 

 

At an given time, users can access and download the required files even if they are in remote locations. Thus, saving more time and effort.

 

 

Disadvantages of Computer Network

 
1. Robustness
 
The connected systems on a network entirely depend on the main server. In case if the server breaksdown, the system cannot be used anymore.
 
Not only the main server, if the problem lies on the central server or the bridging device the entire network will be failing. 

 

That is the reason why most of the large organizations tend to keep their central server as a powerful computer which makes the implementation and maintenance easy.
 
 
2. Independence
 
Since networks are based on the centralized server, most of the decisions are made themselves. This hinders the freedom of user who wants to use the computer as they desire.
 
Moreover, computer networking includes new procedures which makes the process easy. Thus, there are more chances where users will be relying on computers even for basic tasks that cannot be done by hand.
 
 
3. Malware Attack
 
Basically due to their interactions, a virus can easily spread between computers in a network. Even if one of the computer happens to get infected with malware, there are high chances of them spreading to remaining computers.
 
Similar instances can happen if the central server becomes infected. All these can lead to file corruption. For avoiding this, the network administrator should regularly scan for malwares.
 
 
4. Implementation
 
Al though computer networks are considered to be cost effective, it is certainly not when it is implemented. 

 

Setting up a computer network can be expensive. It depends on the number of systems connected. Additionally, there must be separate cables and equipments such as switches, routers and hubs.
 
 
5. Security
 
Unlike standalone computers, a computer connected to a network posses many security risks. Since there are large number of users using the network. For large networks such as WAN, hackers can easily access the network using specialized tools developed for this purpose.
 
However for preventing theft and other illegal activities, large organizations tend to use various security tools such as firewall.
 
 
6. Productivity
 
One of the major problems of computer networking is that it can drastically decrease the productivity of the company. When there is an internet access, employees can use it for other purposes other than the office work. 

 

While this can help to relieve stress of employees, it can contribute to higher percentage of productivity loss. Therefore, management must decide to what extent can they allow the computer use.
 
 
7. Maintenance
 
For the proper functioning of a computer network, it requires regular maintenance. The problem is this cannot be done with basic skills. It involves advanced configurations and complicated installations. Therefore, a skilled network manager with experience needs to be deployed.
 
 
8. Health Issues
 
Computer networking includes various entertainment options such as gaming. While gaming works as a stressbuster for many, playing for a long time can make the user addictive.
 
Gaming addiction in essence can cause many health issues both physical and mental. Some of them are insomnia and obesity.
 
 
9. Accessibility
 
Even though most of the modern computers provide free access, there are still connectivity issues in some countries. 

 

Particularly countries those are developing, people residing there suffer from connectivity challenges. Unless these challenges are resolved, there is no assurance of true global network.
 
 
10. Multitasking
 
Another advantage of computer network is that it allows multitasking. However not everyone can take benefit of this. 

 

Most people who perform multitasking, tends to loose high level of productivity. There are very few number of people who are able to perform multitasks without loosing productivity.