5.1 Many schools or businesses connect computers in a LAN - NSC Computer Application Technology - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 2

The component in each computer that enables network connectivity is known as a Network Interface Card (NIC), also referred to as a Wi-Fi adapter, Ethernet adapter, or network adapter.

1. Mobility Limitations: Wired LANs require physical cables, which can restrict the mobility of devices. Users must remain within the confines of the cable connections.

2. Infrastructure Requirements: Setting up a wired LAN often necessitates additional infrastructure, such as laying cables through walls or securing workspaces, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Grid computing refers to the practice of connecting the resources of many servers and individual computers over a network, such as the internet, enabling them to work collaboratively as a single computing entity. This allows for enhanced processing capacity and resource utilization.

One real-life application of grid computing could be in weather forecasting, where large datasets from various sources are processed collectively to improve prediction accuracy.

1. Pop-up Blocker: Enabling a built-in pop-up blocker in the web browser helps prevent unwanted advertisements and pop-ups from disrupting the user experience.

2. Web Filtering Software: Users can install browser extensions or plugins designed to block access to specific websites or content deemed inappropriate or unwanted.

Shaping an internet connection can help prioritize bandwidth for essential applications, such as email and VoIP, ensuring that these functions receive sufficient resources during peak usage times. This results in improved performance and reduced latency for critical tasks.

Streaming is the process of transmitting video or audio data in real-time over the internet, allowing users to access media files without needing to download them fully. This enhances user experience as content can be consumed instantaneously.

1. Higher Resolution Reduction: Users can choose to lower the video resolution while streaming, which requires less bandwidth and minimizes the possibility of buffering interruptions.

2. Close Background Applications: Closing other applications or processes on the device that consume bandwidth allows for more dedicated resources for the streaming service, leading to a smoother experience.