5. Peer-to-Peer Network: advantages and disadvantages

Advantages Disadvantages
No need for a network operating system Because each computer might be being accessed by others it can slow down the performance for the user
Does not need an expensive server because individual workstations are used to access the files Files and folders cannot be centrally backed up
No need for specialist staff such as network technicians because each user sets their own permissions as to which files they are willing to share. Files and resources are not centrally organised into a specific 'shared area'. They are stored on individual computers and might be difficult to locate if the computer's owner doesn't have a logical filing system.
Much easier to set up than a client-server network - does not need specialist knowledge Ensuring that viruses are not introduced to the network is the responsibility of each individual user
If one computer fails it will not disrupt any other part of the network. It just means that those files aren't available to other users at that time. There is little or no security besides the permissions. Users often don't need to log onto their workstations.

 

 

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