1.

A computer network, often simply referred to as a network, is a collection of computers and

devices connected by communications channels that facilitates communications among users and
allows users to share resources with other users. Networks may be classified according to a wide
variety of characteristics. This article provides a general overview of types and categories and also
presents the basic components of a network…..

Data Communications
Transmission of signals
Encoding, interfacing, signal integrity, multiplexing etc.
Networking
Topology & architecture used to interconnect devices
Networks of communication systems

A computer network is the infrastructure that allows two or more computers (called
hosts) to communicate with each other. The network achieves this by providing a set
of rules for communication, called protocols, which should be observed by all
participating hosts. The need for a protocol should be obvious: it allows different
computers from different vendors and with different operating characteristics to
‘speak the same language’.
This chapter introduces the fundamental concepts of computer networks. We
will first look at constituent network components and various network types, and
then describe a reference model for network protocol architectures which we will
expand upon throughout the rest of this book. We will also discuss the role of
international standards and major standards organizations.
After reading this chapter you should be able to:
Describe the general characteristics of a computer network.
Understand the role of the major components of a computer network.
Distinguish between different network types and understand their properties.
Appreciate the relevance and importance of standards, in general, and the OSI
model, in particular.
Describe the role and functions of each of the OSI layers.
Use sequence and state transition diagrams to interpret and describe protocols.
Appreciate the wealth of knowledge available on communication networks.

http://www.pragsoft.com/books/CommNetwork.pdf
A computer network is an interconnection of various computer systems located at different
places. In computer network two or more computers are linked together with a medium and data
communication devices for the purpose of communicating data and sharing resources. The
computer that provides resources to other computers on a network is known as server. In the
network the individual computers, which access shared network resources, are known as
workstations or nodes.

Computer Networks may be classified on the basis of geographical area in two broad categories.

1. Local Area Network (LAN)

2. Wide Area Network (WAN)

2.0

2.1Definition of: mobile computing

Using a computing device while in transit. Mobile computing implies wireless transmission, but wireless
transmission does not necessarily imply mobile computing. Fixed wireless applications use satellites,
radio systems and lasers to transmit between permanent objects such as buildings and towers. See
wireless data and mobile platform.

http://www.yourdictionary.com/computer/mobile-computing

2.2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Nokia_N800_OS2008_RSS_
Wikinews.jpg

A Portable computer is a general-purpose computer that can be easily moved from place to place,
but cannot be used while in transit, usually because it requires some "setting-up" and an AC
power source. The most famous example is the Osborne 1. Portable computers are also called a
"transportable" or a "luggable" PC.
A Tablet PC that lacks a keyboard (also known as a non-convertible Tablet PC) is shaped like
slate or a paper notebook, features a touchscreen with a stylus and handwriting recognition
software. Tablets may not be best suited for applications requiring a physical keyboard for
typing, but are otherwise capable of carrying out most tasks that an ordinary laptop would be
able to perform.

An Internet tablet is an Internet appliance in tablet form. Unlike a Tablet PC, an Internet tablet
does not have much computing power and its applications suite is limited, and it can not replace
a general purpose computer. Internet tablets typically feature an MP3 and video player, a web
browser, a chat application and a picture viewer.

A Personal digital assistant (PDA) is a small, usually pocket-sized, computer with limited
functionality. It is intended to supplement and to synchronize with a desktop computer, giving
access to contacts, address book, notes, e-mail and other features.

A Palm TX PDA

An Ultra Mobile PC is a full-featured, PDA-sized computer running a general-purpose operating

system.

A Smart phone is a PDA with an integrated cellphone functionality. Current smartphones have a
wide range of features and installable applications.

A Carputer is a computing device installed in an automobile. It operates as a wireless computer,

sound system, GPS, and DVD player. Also contains word processing software and it's bluetooth
compatible.[2]

A Fly Fusion Pentop computer is a computing device the size and shape of a pen. It functions as

06 Hotel California (Unplugged).MP3

a writing utensil, MP3 player, language translator, digital
storage device, and calculator.[3]

Boundaries that separate these categories are blurry at times. For example, the OQO UMPC is
also a PDA-sized tablet PC; the Apple eMate had the clamshell form factor of a laptop, but ran
PDA software. The HP Omnibook line of laptops included some devices small enough to be
called Ultra Mobile PCs. The hardware of the Nokia 770 internet tablet is essentially the same as
that of a PDA such as the Zaurus 6000; the only reason it's not called a PDA is that it doesn't
have PIM software. On the other hand, both the 770 and the Zaurus can run some desktop Linux
software, usually with modifications.

mobile computing

Using a computing device while in transit. Mobile computing implies wireless transmission, but
wireless transmission does not necessarily imply mobile computing. Fixed wireless applications
use satellites, radio systems and lasers to transmit between permanent objects such as buildings
and towers. See wireless data and mobile platform.