A network is simply two or more computers linked together so their files can easily be shared or transferred from computer to computer. The simplest network is the LAN, the Local Area Network. These computers are in the same office or building. A LAN can have virtually any number of computers. You make a LAN when you connect two computers together in your office or at home.

When computers in different buildings or cities are connected together, the network is called a WAN or Wide Area Network. A WAN can be comprised of individual computers and LAN’s.

The Internet is a network of networks. There are two fundamental types of computers on the Internet, servers and clients. A server is a computer specifically set up to serve its files (make its files available for viewing or download) to client computers. A client is any computer you use to access the Internet: desktop, laptop, handheld, cell phone, etc. The files a server makes available to your computer can be web pages, videos, sounds, images, etc. For your home computer to be able to receive files or any data from a server, your computer must request this information. This happens when you enter an URL in your browser or when you receive e-mail.

Any computer can be set up as a server or a client. Without the proper safeguards, anyone can access the files on your personal computer when it is connected to the Internet. This is why a firewall is used. A firewall is a simple way to protect your computer from having its files accessed without your permission. There are many different kinds of firewalls and they have different capabilities. As with most software, the most powerful firewalls are the hardest to operate. The only known exception at this time is Outpost Network Security Client, which was designed from the start to be extremely powerful yet easy to use.

Download pdf Outpost Network Security Client Beginner Guide