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

You're on a roll — 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. Got more? Send 'em.