Explain network topology, criteria for choosing one, fault tolerance comparison between ring and bus, and shared network resources.

Here are the answers to the questions:

i)

a) Explain the term "network topology".
Network topology refers to the physical or logical arrangement of connected devices in a computer network. It describes how the nodes and links in a network are structured and interconnected.

b) Give two criteria that are considered in choosing a topology for a network.

1. Cost: The expense of cabling, hardware (e.g., switches, hubs), and installation.
2. Reliability/Fault Tolerance: How well the network can continue to function if a component fails.
3. Scalability: How easily the network can be expanded to include more devices.
4. Performance: The speed and efficiency of data transmission.

c) Explain why the ring topology has less fault tolerance than the bus topology.
In a ring topology, data travels in one direction around the ring, passing through each node. If a single cable breaks or one node fails, the entire network communication path is disrupted, leading to a complete network failure. In contrast, a bus topology has a single backbone cable; if one node fails, it typically does not affect other nodes, though a break in the main bus cable would disrupt the entire network. However, the failure of an individual node in a bus is less catastrophic than in a ring.

d) State THREE important resources of the network that are shared.

1. Printers
2. Files/Folders (Data)
3. Internet Connection
4. Scanners
5. Applications/Software

ii)

a) Explain each of the following: spyware, virus, and worm.

• Spyware: Malware designed to secretly gather information about a user's activities on a computer and send it to another entity without the user's knowledge or consent.
• Virus: A type of malicious software that attaches itself to legitimate programs or documents and spreads to other computers. It requires human action (like opening an infected file) to execute and replicate.
• Worm: A standalone malicious program that replicates itself and spreads across computer networks without human intervention. It exploits network vulnerabilities to self-propagate.

b) Explain two practices of protecting a computer from malware.

1. Install and regularly update antivirus software: Antivirus programs scan for, detect, and remove malicious software, providing real-time protection against new threats.
2. Be cautious with email attachments and links: Avoid opening suspicious email attachments or clicking on unfamiliar links, as these are common vectors for malware infection.
3. Keep operating system and software updated: Software updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities that malware could exploit.
4. Use a firewall: A firewall monitors and controls network traffic, blocking unauthorized access and preventing malware from communicating with external servers.

c) State ONE manifestation that indicates the presence of a virus in a computer system.

1. Slow computer performance: The computer runs noticeably slower than usual.
2. Frequent system crashes or error messages: The system freezes, restarts unexpectedly, or displays unusual error messages.
3. Unusual pop-up windows or advertisements: Unexpected ads appear, even when not browsing the internet.
4. Missing or corrupted files: Files disappear, become inaccessible, or are altered without user action.
5. Unexplained network activity: High network usage even when the computer is idle.