Using Networking and Communications Software in Business

Using Networking and Communications Software in Business covers the importance of networks in a business firm, the benefits of computer communications within a firm, and the cost-benefit in putting up networks in businesses.
The book is divided into six parts. Part I looks into the nature and varieties of networks, networking standards, and network software. Part II discusses the planning of a networked system, which includes analyzing the requirements for the network system, the hardware for the network, and network management. The installation of the network system and the network management, which covers password and security, backing up of files, managing the print server, and performing good network practices, are considered in Part III. Part IV describes the application and suitable software that concerns the database management and accounting systems, spreadsheets, and word processing. Communications and on-line services are dealt with in Part V. The last part of the book presents appendices on multi-user alternative, the Data Protection Act, SageNet, Tapestry II, and Product Suppliers for reference.
The text is invaluable for computer engineers and people in business firms involved in data and systems management.

Introduction Networks Chapter 1 Communication within the Office What Makes up a Network? Other Networking Essentials Chapter 2 Networked or Separate? The Networked Office Bigger Systems, Bigger Savings Hidden Costs? Cost Benefit Summary Chapter 3 The Varieties of Networks The Background The Nature of Networks Coping with Collisions Chapter 4 Networking Standards The OSI Model The IEEE Standards Non-Technical Summary Chapter 5 Network Software Installation In Use The NETBIOS System The Network Commands Summary Planning a Networked System Chapter 6 Analyzing Your Requirements Applications Programs Users and Workstations Printers and Print Servers Data Storage Requirements Chapter 7 Hardware for the Network Dedicated File Servers The Sharing Workstation Back-up Systems Print Servers and Printers Netware Design for Reliability Typical costings Chapter 8 The Office and the System Network Management Installation and Management Chapter 9 Installing the Network Stage 1 - The Trial Network Stage 2 - Applications Software Stage 3 - User Training Stage 4 - Cabling up Maintenance and Trouble-Shooting Chapter 10 Network Management The File Server Backing up Files Managing the Print Server On Being a Network User Networks and Application Software Chapter 11 Sharing Data File and Record Locking The Deadly Embrace Chapter 12 Suitable Software Database Management Systems Accounting Systems Spreadsheets Word Processing Communications Chapter 13 Electronic Memos and Networked Communications Mail, Memos and Calls File Transfer Calendars and Bulletin Boards Chapter 14 Going On-line Communications Basics