Printer
Switch
Switch Router
Voice
Router
Unified
Communications
Manager
IP Phone
Print
Server
Network
Storage
IP
PC
PC
Exploring the Functions of Networking 9
Network User Applications
The key to utilizing multiple resources on a data network is having applications that are
aware of these communication mechanisms. Although many applications are available for
users in a network environment, some applications are common to nearly all users.
The most common network user applications include the following:
?– E-mail: E-mail is a valuable application for most network users. Users can
communicate information (messages and ?¬?les) electronically in a timely manner, to
not only other users in the same network but also other users outside the network
(suppliers, information resources, and customers, for example). Examples of e-mail
programs include Microsoft Outlook and Eudora by Qualcomm.
?– Web browser: A web browser enables access to the Internet through a common
interface. The Internet provides a wealth of information and has become vital to the
productivity of both home and business users. Communicating with suppliers and
customers, handling orders and ful?¬?llment, and locating information are now routinely
done electronically over the Internet, which saves time and increases overall
productivity.
Pages:
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37