From Mycomputer Notes

The Introduction chapter of the CCNA 1 & 2 presents the computer basics and connection to the Internet. It also introduces the Binary and Hexadecimal numbering system but I will go through them very fast.

Connecting to the Internet

The Internet is the largest data network in the world. The internet consist of millions of interconnected netwokrs, both large and small. Connection to the Internet can be broken down into the physical connection, the logical connection, and applications:

• Physical Connection (Adapter card, modem or NIC from PC to a Network)
• Logical Connection (Standard called Protocols)
• Applications that interpret the data and display the information (Software Programs)

Physical Connections

Is used to transfer signals between PCs within the local-area network (LAN) and to remote devices on the Internet.

Logical Connections

Connections to the Internet may use multiple protocols. The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite is the primary set of protocols used on the Internet.

Applications

Applications are programs that interpret and display data in an understandable form. Applications work with protocols to send and receive data across the Internet. A Web browser displays HTML as a Web page.

PC Basics

Because Networks are built around computers it is important to know the major components in a computer. Many networking devices, such as routers and switches, are special-pupose computers and have many of the same parts as normal PCs.

Small Components

• Transistor
• Integrated circuit
• Resistor
• Capacitor
• Connector
• LED

Backplane Components

• Parallel & Serial Port
• Video Cards
• Power Cord
• Mouse & Keyboard Cord.
• Netowrk Interface Card

Network Interface Card

A NIC, or LAN adapter, provides network communication capabilities for each host. Different types of NICs are used for various device configurations

• PCMCIA card
• Wireless network cards
• (USB) Ethernet adapter

These considerations are important in the selection of a NIC:

Protocols – Ethernet, Token Ring, or FDDI Types of media – Twisted-pair, coaxial, wireless, or fiber-optic Type of system bus – PCI or ISA