Remember, I am retired!
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Network Hardware
In the beginning of Personal Computers ( PC's), sharing information between users and sharing expensive accessories like laser printers was handicapped by the fact they were "personal" and not "connected" like the mainframe computers. Almost immediately the network was invented to interconnect these systems. Below is a simple 10 / 100 -T network. A hub is placed in a central location. Wires like, but not the same as, telephone cable connect the hub to the PC's and a network is born.
To make a PC into a network PC a network card is installed.
With current hardware pricing new networks and upgrades should consider a minimum of 100 Mbps. ( 100 mega bits per second data rate ) This system looks identical to 10Mbps but runs 10 times faster. Quality 100Mbps network cards are around $9.00 and 8 port 100Mbps hubs start at $20.00. As of 2007 1 Gigi bit systems are below $15.00 for the network cards and $40.00 for hub's. Consider 1Gbps if you have large files or applications on your network
Server Based Networks
The "server based" network system refers to a system where one PC on the network acts as a dedicated server of files, printers and or programs to all other PC's on the network. The most well known dedicated server system is Microsoft server. Dedicated means the server is not also used as a "workstation" by someone on a regular basis.
Server based networks are preferred where central control or convenience ( common file sharing over the network ) is a primary requirement. Server based systems can be configured so all user applications start from the server. The advantage is easier distribution and control over user applications and better control over backups.
Peer to Peer Networks
In "peer to peer" networks all PC's are, or may be cross connected to share hard disk storage, programs, data files and printers on an equal basis. In Windows systems networks from Microsoft Corporation, the network operating system is designed to control the allocation of shared resources. Windows 9x/ME and above contains a complete peer to peer operating component.
The advantage of peer to peer networks is ease of setup and administration along with all the possible advantages and configurations of a server based system. Peer to peer networks are preferred where ease of setup economy is important.
"Pseudo" networks
The term pseudo network refers to software and/or hardware that provides limited sharing of resources between PC's. The simplest example is a printer switch box that manually switches one printer between several computers. Other examples include programs like The Windows 95/98/XP built in " direct cable connection" and Lap Link that allow two computers to talk between their serial or parallel ports to share files.
More
..... If you want to find more information
on Windows networking follow this link to World of Windows Networking.
The author has put together a TON of information. (Fortunately most of my clients
could care less how all this works and hire CWC to setup their networks, otherwise
I would have to get a "real" job!)
If you think you absolutely must have Windows Vista, before you by the product checkout this article first.
Read more about Microsoft's Windows 95/98/ME, NT/2000 and XP
General Billing Rates
Field Service (Engineering and repair services at client location)
$100.00 per hour with a one hour minimum. $30.00 trip time charge per incident.
Time and ½ between 6PM and 8AM, Monday through Friday, Weekends and Holidays.
Basic, per page, Web Site Design and Construction Services,$100.00 per page
Basic per page services include construction, documentation and posting to your web site of one "web page" consisting of one scalable graphic, or graphics file provided in GIF or JPG format, up to four links to other URL's including E-mail links or links to other pages in your web space and up to 4 screens ( approximately 2 printed pages ) of display ( text ) at 640 x 480 pixel screen resolution.
The "web page" will be visually constructed to specifications provided by the client in "story board" or "paste up" format. Text files may be provided in ASCII or one of many popular word processing formats.
Additional Services
Consultation, meetings, phone support, labor. $ 50.00 per hour
Additional graphics. $ 25.00 each
Additional text. $ 25.00 per screen
Additional Links, plain or "smart icons" $ 10.00 each
Flash and Streaming Video. ( Free quotes )
Custom Design Services.$ 50.00 per hour
Custom design services include all services provided above on a per hour basis to develop your Internet site, plus custom design of logos, site "look and feel", commercial services and continued support and update of your web site.
All material, graphics and source code for completed pages remain or become the property of the client.
Updated 12/07