Advantage and Disadvantage of Networking.

Advantages:

1. Expensive peripherals devices such as laser printers and scanners can be shared between users.

2. Messages can be sent between users using LANs or WANs.

3. All users can access the same files.

4. It is possible to access data or programs from any terminal/workstation.

5. Data and software can be stored centrally, which makes them easier to maintain and back up.

Disadvantages:

1. If a WAN is used, sophisticated (complicated) equipment is needed and the rental of telecommunication links makes it very expensive.

2. File security is more important with networks. For instance, if a virus were to get onto network then it could effect all the network terminals.

3. Wiring can be expensive both to buy and to install.

4. In a type of network called a file-server network all the programs and data is stored on a main computer called a server. If the server breaks down, the whole network become unusable.

5. Networks are unpredictable; they need an experienced person to keep them running successfully.